The incomparable Ben Folds releases his eagerly anticipated new album 'So There' September 11th on New West Records.
The album began with a commission from the Nashville Ballet and the Nashville and Minnesota Symphony Orchestra to create an original musical score for a new ballet. The end result is a 21 minute Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in 3 movements.
Next came his collaboration with yMusic, a critically acclaimed classical sextet from New York who helped Ben bridge his pop/chamber rock songs with the concerto. The ensemble will also be joining the multi-platinum-selling singer/songwriter/producer when he makes his Royal Opera House debut on August 12th, for a live show of new pop songs and familiar hits.
"The arrangements audiences will hear are straight up rock, using the odd instrumentation of piano, cello, viola, violin, flute/piccolo/alto flute, trumpet/French horn and clarinet/bass clarinet, with no bass," says Folds. "It's frankly one of the most exciting projects I've ever worked on."
Ben Folds, a resident of Nashville, Tennessee, owns and operates the historic RCA Studio A which is his creative hub where he records, composes and produces. He is a long time advocate of orchestras, serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Nashville Symphony and as a member of the distinguished Artist Committee for Americans with Aids.
Ben Folds plays The Royal Opera House August 12th.
www.benfolds.com