The Chicago Philharmonic Society is thrilled to present and perform Marvel Studios’ Black Panther in Concert at the historic Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., June 18, 2022, at 7:30 p.m., the weekend of Juneteenth. Guest artists joining Chicago Philharmonic’s prestigious musicians during the concert include conductor Emil de Cou; world-renowned Tama Senegalese talking drum player Massamba Diop, who has received much acclaim for his collaboration on Marvel’s “Black Panther” soundtrack; and Chicago native flutist Steve Kajula. Tickets start at $49.50 and are now available for purchase at chicagotheatre.com.
In 2018, Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther,” starring Chicago sweetheart Chadwick Boseman, quickly became a global sensation and cultural phenomenon, showing a new dimension of what Superhero films could be. Now, audiences can relive the excitement of T’Challa (Boseman) becoming king and battling Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) all while the Chicago Philharmonic performs Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar® and Grammy®-winning score live to picture.
“Ludwig Göransson’s score for this movie is truly a wonder of modern composition, and an ingenious blend of traditional African and Western music,” said Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Scott Speck. “The two main characters are both given leitmotifs, which is a classical music tradition, but with a twist. T’Challa’s leitmotif is a talking drum rhythm, which Massamba Diop created and recorded for the original recording of the score. Killmonger’s leitmotif is played by the Fula flute, which will be performed in Chicago by Steve Kujala, one of the world’s foremost experts in ethnic flutes.”
Maestro Speck also had a hand in choosing the best conductor for the concert, with his highest recommendations for Emil de Cou, one of the world’s greatest experts in film concerts like Marvel Studios’ Black Panther in Concert. “Synchronizing a live orchestra soundtrack to a film is an exact science, but Emil has elevated it to an art form. He internalizes the score and breathes life into it, bringing the symphonic values of the music to full fruition. There is nobody around who embodies the flow of a film score more vividly than Emil.”
“Words can’t describe how meaningful it is to me to bring this live to film concert, about Marvel Studios’ first Black superhero, to Chicago on the eve of Juneteenth,” said Executive Director Terell Johnson, who joined the organization in July 2021 and counts this among his first major artistic decisions since arriving. “This record-breaking film highlights why representation matters, and it is a terrific celebration of Black culture and artistry. We hope this will be an inclusive event that people from all over our city can enjoy together.”
Attendees are not required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or wear a mask.
Elaine Hegwood Bowen, M.S.J., is the Entertainment Editor for the Chicago Crusader. She is a National Newspaper Publishers Association ‘Entertainment Writing’ award winner, contributor to “Rust Belt Chicago” and the author of “Old School Adventures from Englewood: South Side of Chicago.” For info, Old School Adventures from Englewood—South Side of Chicago (lulu.com) or email: [email protected].
