The music of David Bowie
BlackstarSymphony
Kennedy Center Concert Hall · Washington, DC · June 29, 2024
How many times does an angel fall? How many people lie instead of talking tall? He trod on sacred ground, he cried loud into the crowd “I’m a blackstar, I’m a blackstar, I’m not a gang star.”— from “Blackstar”]David Bowie — Blackstar
What it is
His final album, reimagined
Donny McCaslin played saxophone on Blackstar, David’s final album. Years later he reimagined it for a full symphony orchestra — 65 players, his jazz quartet and singers. The first half is the whole Blackstar album; the second half is Bowie classics.
At the Kennedy Center it was the National Symphony Orchestra, with Gail Ann Dorsey and John Cameron Mitchell as special guests.
- WhereKennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington, DC
- WhenJune 28 & 29, 2024 — we went on the 29th
- OrchestraNational Symphony Orchestra Pops
- ConductorJules Buckley
- Artistic directorDonny McCaslin
- GuestsGail Ann Dorsey, John Cameron Mitchell
Road trip
Six of us, Washington DC
The night
In my words
What a fun-filled weekend it was! Since my son and his family live in DC, it was the natural decision to invite them along. I had never been to the Kennedy Center, so this was such a treat all around.
Of course I love the Blackstar album, and seeing it live was emotional and exciting. I loved seeing all the other fans — the packed crowd makes me so happy that David still reaches audiences.
We didn’t have time to wait in line after to meet Donny, but we did pull up next to the table to give our hellos and congratulations. He even recognized me. 🙂
— Shan
From row D
In the Concert Hall
Next stop
Bring it to Boston
I’d love to see the Blackstar Symphony play here at home in Boston — I’ve even talked with Donny about the possibility. Fingers crossed.
Blackstar icons by Barnbrook, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike. Donny McCaslin photo courtesy of the Kennedy Center.