Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/12/25

‘Up the Score’ Takes Classical Back to the Lab with the Help of Guest Artists Genre Bending Violinist Michael Prince and Piano Prodigy BLKBOK 

Tickets Are On Sale Now

What if the score wasn’t the final version? What if you scratched beneath the surface, infused it with your own vibe remixed for the culture, tossed it with R&B and hip-hop, and set it with a full accompaniment of strings fueled by scores of the past?  These are the very questions The Renaissance Orchestra will answer as they ‘Up the Score’ on May 30 at Center Stage in Atlanta, GA.  Fueled by visionary founder Tyrone “OG” Bowie- a multi-talented, Atlanta-based musician, producer, and DJ, The Renaissance Orchestra is a groundbreaking musical collective that blends classical instrumentation with the pulse of modern production and what you end up with is a sound as much rooted in tradition as it is radically redefined and new.

“This isn’t just music, it’s personal,” says Tyrone “OG” Bowie, Founder of The Renaissance Orchestra. “When people experience ‘Up the Score,’ I want them to leave feeling like they have just witnessed a new cultural moment where orchestral music reflects the stories, energy, and excellence of Black artistry.”

‘Up the Score’ will not be the typical night at the symphony, while top hats and tails won’t be discouraged; this is a cultural experience and should be embraced as such. Guests can expect classical music tossed on its head, remixed for the culture — where hip-hop meets violin, R&B gets reimagined with full strings, and original scores get flipped like samples. 

For this special one-night-only concert event, Houston-born violinist producer and composer Michael Prince, known for his innovative fusion of classical hip-hop R&B jazz and pop music, will join The Renaissance Orchestra. Prince has collaborated with notable artists such as Jon Batiste, T-Pain, A$AP, Rocky Timbaland, and LaRussell and is revved up to bring that same collaboration spirit to ‘Up the Score.’  Additionally, BLKBOK, a classically trained pianist and composer known for blending classical music with hip-hop R&B and jazz influences, will tickle the ivories, adding another dimension to The Renaissance Orchestra’s sound. BLKBOK has toured with stars like Justin Timberlake and Rihanna before launching his solo career and redefining what it means to be a modern classical artist.

General Admission tickets for ‘Up the Score’ with Michael Prince and BLKBOK are on sale now at www.CenterStage.com. ‘Up the Score’ is produced by The Renaissance Orchestra. Visit www.TheRenaissanceOrchestra.com for the most up-to-date information. Stay connected on Facebook @TheRenaissanceOrchestra and Instagram at @RenaissanceOrchestra_. Center Stage is located at 1374 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia.