Bowie on Strings

“His death was no different from his life. A work of art.”
Producer Tony Visconti on David Bowie (1947–2016)

Who am I, and if so, how many? David Bowie had more than one answer to that question. The British musician with eyes of different colors—musician, actor, producer, fashion icon, and artist all rolled into one—is a guiding star for generations. To some, he is “Ziggy Stardust,” an alien, glamorously androgynous with fiery red hair; to others, the innovator behind the “Berlin Trilogy” (a fresh start after a particularly turbulent phase of self-destruction in L.A.), and for still others, the male model of MTV videos. Bowie gave his fans a universe of personas and took the liberty to change and experiment whenever he wanted. Reinventing himself across art rock, glam rock, jazz, and experimental music as a survival strategy—not just musically. David Bowie released his 28th and final album, “Blackstar,” as his legacy. Two days later, he succumbed to cancer. “Blackstar” transforms the inevitable into art—not out of sentimentality, but as an act of self-determination. The Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra transforms Bowie’s universe into a classic, arranged by composer and Wooden Elephant violist Ian Anderson for strings and an ensemble of sound-producing objects.

Featuring:
Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra

Program:
David Bowie
Album “Blackstar”
and Best of: Changes / Ashes to Ashes / Suffragette City / “Heroes” / Space Oddity / Starman / Life on Mars? / Ziggy Stardust / Secret Life of Arabia
(Arrangements: Ian Anderson)

Artist talk at 7:00 p.m.