As a part of the Brown-Forman LO Classics Series, on Saturday, November 4 at 8PM, Teddy Abrams and the Louisville Orchestra will present the world premiere of Teddy Abrams’ new genre-straddling work, The Greatest: Muhammad Ali, at The Kentucky Center. To celebrate the evening and the Orchestra’s 80th Season, there will be a Gala Dinner prior to the concert, and then The Greatest After Party that will bookend the unique performance. Tickets to the performance range from $27-$85 and are available by calling 502.584.7777 or visiting LouisvilleOrchestra.org.

Anchored by Abrams and the orchestra, the world premiere performance will feature a first-rate team of collaborators. Grammy-nominated baritone Jubilant Sykes returns, not only to perform, but also to make his directorial debut, after headlining Louisville’s performance of Bernstein’s MASS two years ago, which impressed the Wall Street Journal with its “coherence, humanity, and winning theatricality.” Award-winning actor, writer, and director Olivia Dawson narrates the intricate story. Local Louisville hip hop artist and educator Jecorey “1200” Arthur returns to create the title role. Making her Louisville Orchestra debut in the female lead is Rhiannon Giddens, frontwoman of the Grammy Award-winning African-American string band known as the Carolina Chocolate Drops. The creative team is completed by choreographer Rosie Herrera, dramaturg Martine Kei Green-Rogers, and video montage curator Marlon Johnson.

80TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

Guests will have two opportunities to celebrate the world premiere of The Greatest: Muhammad Ali on Saturday, November 4 beginning with the Louisville Orchestra 80th Anniversary Gala Dinner. This pre-show event will be held at 809 West Main Street starting at 5pm with valet parking, cocktails, and dinner created by renowned local chef Chad Welch. Guests will then have the option of transportation to the Kentucky Center for the performance.

Following the performance, guests are encouraged return to 809 West Main Street for The Greatest After Party, featuring local musicians, a variety of desserts, and an open bar. Guests not wishing to attend the after party may retrieve their vehicles from the Gala’s valet service at The Kentucky Center.

Tickets for the 80th Anniversary Gala — including dinner, premium reserved seating to the performance, and access to The Greatest After Party — are available now for $500 per person. For $150 each, guests get premium reserved seating to the performance and access to The Greatest After Party. For more information on the 80th Anniversary Gala and ticketing options, call the Louisville Orchestra offices at 502.587.8681 or visit online at LouisvilleOrchestra.org.

The Gala Platinum benefactors are Hilliard Lyons and Tops Louisville.