The Symphonic Tribute to David Bowie | 06.17.16

Hits like “Suffragette City,” “Space Oddity,” and more will be delivered in a whole new fashion.

Performed by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
Powell Hall, St. Louis

The January passing of musical legend David Bowie has left a hole in rock ’n’ roll. When such a great musician passes, tributes come in all shapes and sizes. But only one really holds a special prestige of its own, and that is with a symphony orchestra.

On Friday, June, 17, The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra will pay such a tribute with a musical eulogy to Bowie. With a rich history of rock artists tributes (Michael Jackson, Led Zeppelin), STL Symphony is sure to bring new life into the rock ‘n’ roll classics.

Bowie was a master craftsman when it came to music; his sound is undefinable and timeless. It will be interesting to hear the Symphony’s versions of such hits as “Blue Jean,” “Changes,” and “China Girl,” just to name a few.

There’s a plethora of music to choose from for such a tribute. Over a 30-plus-year career, Bowie kept reinventing himself with almost every release. In doing so, he not only kept music fans on their toes, but kept the musical press there, as well. Still, such critical acclaim means nothing to the hardcore Bowie fan. From Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars to his side band, Tin Machine, genre meant little to Bowie, and style ruled the day.

The iconic musician, songwriter, and actor passed away January 10, just two days after his 69th birthday. Bowie started his career in London in 1962 and released his final album, Blackstar, in January as a farewell to his fans. Though he suffered from cancer for more than a year, he did not make it known publically, instead applying his time and energy to his final LP. During his career, Bowie released 26 solo albums, selling over 140 million.

Guest conductor Brent Havens will be at the orchestral helm for Bowie’s symphonic treatment, a performance that will also include a full rock band. This is sure to be a stunning combination, as hits like “Suffragette City,” “Space Oddity,” and more will be delivered in a whole new fashion. | Marc Farr

Hear the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and their tribute to David Bowie on Friday June 17, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available online or at the Powell Hall Box Office.