Bad Bunny Stuns Classical Music World with Unlikely Super Bowl Halftime Show Collaboration
In a surprise move, Puerto Rican rapper and singer Bad Bunny brought together classical music for his Sunday evening Super Bowl halftime show. The performance featured over 700 performers, including legendary vocalists Ricky Martin and Lady Gaga, as well as musicians across multiple genres.
At the center of this unexpected collaboration was Giancarlo Guerrero, artistic director and principal conductor of Chicago's Grant Park Music Festival, who led a 30-member string orchestra composed of San Francisco-area musicians during the song "Monaco." Guerrero was invited to participate in the show just nine days before it took place, with his manager receiving a call from Bad Bunny's people expressing interest in having him join.
Guerrero attributed the invitation to Bad Bunny's desire for a prominent Latino conductor and jumped at the opportunity. He noted that this collaboration marked a significant moment for classical music, as it often gets overlooked in favor of more pop-oriented performances.
"This is a great moment particularly for classical music," Guerrero said of his experience working with Bad Bunny. "I think it tells you that Benito's musical interests go beyond what you would think: pop." Guerrero praised Bad Bunny's talent and musicianship, stating that this collaboration has been beyond his wildest dreams.
Guerrero, who conducted his first concerts last summer as part of the Grant Park Music Festival, was visibly moved by his experience at the Super Bowl halftime show. He described it as an "absolutely unbelievable, unforgettable, life-changing experience" and expressed gratitude for being a part of such an iconic event.
Bad Bunny's willingness to collaborate with classical music figures has shed light on the diversity of his musical interests and has sparked excitement among fans and critics alike. As the Grant Park festival kicks off next month, Guerrero will continue to share his passion for classical music with audiences across Chicago.
In a surprise move, Puerto Rican rapper and singer Bad Bunny brought together classical music for his Sunday evening Super Bowl halftime show. The performance featured over 700 performers, including legendary vocalists Ricky Martin and Lady Gaga, as well as musicians across multiple genres.
At the center of this unexpected collaboration was Giancarlo Guerrero, artistic director and principal conductor of Chicago's Grant Park Music Festival, who led a 30-member string orchestra composed of San Francisco-area musicians during the song "Monaco." Guerrero was invited to participate in the show just nine days before it took place, with his manager receiving a call from Bad Bunny's people expressing interest in having him join.
Guerrero attributed the invitation to Bad Bunny's desire for a prominent Latino conductor and jumped at the opportunity. He noted that this collaboration marked a significant moment for classical music, as it often gets overlooked in favor of more pop-oriented performances.
"This is a great moment particularly for classical music," Guerrero said of his experience working with Bad Bunny. "I think it tells you that Benito's musical interests go beyond what you would think: pop." Guerrero praised Bad Bunny's talent and musicianship, stating that this collaboration has been beyond his wildest dreams.
Guerrero, who conducted his first concerts last summer as part of the Grant Park Music Festival, was visibly moved by his experience at the Super Bowl halftime show. He described it as an "absolutely unbelievable, unforgettable, life-changing experience" and expressed gratitude for being a part of such an iconic event.
Bad Bunny's willingness to collaborate with classical music figures has shed light on the diversity of his musical interests and has sparked excitement among fans and critics alike. As the Grant Park festival kicks off next month, Guerrero will continue to share his passion for classical music with audiences across Chicago.