Declassified: Ben Folds With NSO

In the inaugural concert of Declassified: Ben Folds Presents, the new Artistic Advisor curated a concert, played piano, and sang alongside the National Symphony Orchestra. He brought his eclectic sound and taste to life with the help of young and spirited conductor Jacomo Bairos.

Folds showcased his profound respect for the symphony orchestras by noting that he believed in symbolized the highest form of society. His diligence and awe at the mixing of instruments was a theme that transcended genre in this eccentric m�lange of styles, from pop to jazz, to classical, and folk.

Also performing were two performers selected by Folds, including singer/composer/producer/guitarist Blake Mills, and Cuban R&B/rap singer Danay Su�rez. Mills showcased a gentle and sensitive sound, complete with lyrical guitar riffs, and complex orchestrations that managed to integrate intricately with the powerful orchestra. His songs like "It'll All Work Out" and "Falling Out of Love," were both elegant and sincere.

Meanwhile, Suarez's jazzy Spanish rhymes danced and flirted seductively with the orchestra, forming a musical dialogue. Her songs "Lagrimas De Soledad" and "Wake Up," were fast, smart, and sassy.

Serving like a yenta for musical styles, Folds sought to help mix the varied performers with the NSO, finding connections to make the perfect match. In a Facebook post, he noted that he saw his position at the Kennedy Center as a chance "to help orchestras and modern day artists of all genres to create new music. ...I get to bring together my favorite musical artists of today with the nation's symphony orchestra for a collaborative performance... to feature exclusive material, created with the input of the NSO, working the orchestra as the primary motor. Often the mix of rock music and orchestra has the effect of over-simplifying the orchestra, sometimes drowning them out with volume and relegating them to ornamentation."

In reaching his goals to fully integrate the musicians, Folds was aided by Rob Moose, a violinist who helped arrange the musical pieces. Throughout the performances of both Mills and Suarez, he showcased his own deep and profound respect for musical collaboration, noting that he saw both performers as visionary and forward-looking.

Also central to the evening's success was Sam Hyken of the Miami-based progressive Nu-Deco Ensemble, who brought a vibrant and Latin-influenced energy to the night.

Folds ended the evening with songs of his own that he had orchestrated specifically for the show, "Bastard," and "Erase Me." His piano playing melded seamlessly with the other orchestral instruments.

Folds admitted that the opening event was a work of love, that took a great deal of time. "It's not normal to put this kind of work into one show, but I see it long term."

And the sheer complexity of his efforts will likely have a long-term impact, spreading the appeal of the NSO to diverse and younger audiences.

"Declassified: Ben Folds Presents with the National Symphony Orchestra" will appear again on January 12 and June 29, 2018, featuring new guest artists at the Kennedy Center, 2700 F Street in Washington, DC. For tickets or information, call 202-467-4600 or visit Kennedy-center.org