Rick ross x seattle Symphony
What a surreal night. The moment I walked into Benaroya Hall, I was completely in awe. I had never been there before, and the space was breathtaking, towering ceilings, elegant box seats lining the walls, and not a bad seat in the house. The entire hall carried a kind of energy that immediately made the night feel important.
Before the performance, I headed backstage where my good friend Alison Ward gave me a tour of the facility. I’ve known Alison since childhood, so getting to work alongside her all these years later on projects like this feels incredibly special.
That night’s performance brought together Rick Ross, one of the most recognizable figures in hip-hop and the Seattle Symphony, a group made up of some of the most talented musicians in the city. It was such a unique collaboration, and honestly, standing backstage before everything began, I was nervous. I wanted to capture the moment the right way.
When Rick Ross stepped out backstage, though, his presence filled the room. Calm, confident, completely composed. Seeing that shifted my mindset instantly I was now confident. I grabbed a few portraits backstage before he made his entrance, and once the performance began, Alison and I moved quickly through the hall trying to capture every angle we could. We darted from section to section while the crowd stood on their feet cheering, rapping along, and soaking in every second.
Hearing the power of the symphony layered beneath songs I’ve known for years was incredible. It gave me an entirely new appreciation for the musicians and every instrument on that stage. The blend of orchestral music and hip-hop created something unforgettable.
After intermission, I captured a few final backstage moments with Rick, and before we knew it, the night had come to an end. Even as the lights dimmed, the crowd remained standing, cheering for more.
This is a night I’ll never forget and I’m grateful for everyone who made it possible.
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