
By Jennifer Lunz and David Martinez
My friend and I just attended the best Saturday night out so far of 2025! On January 18th, the Marvel Studio superhero 2018 film, Black Panther, was shown in concert at The Auditorium Theater (50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago). Special guests Black Panther comics writer, Eve L. Ewing, and Senegalese tama drummer and Black Panther co-composer Massamba Diop, joined the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra in a one night only memorable performance.

Black Panther in Concert was the latest installment of The Auditorium Theater and Chicago Philharmonic’s Phil’s Concert Series. It is a multimedia experience presenting iconic films that are brought to life with scores performed in concert. The presented film is played on screen, while a full orchestra performs the film’s musical score.

Watching a film with a live orchestra performing the soundtrack is always a great experience. Seeing Black Panther in concert with the Chicago Philharmonic, joined by Diop, along with an opening performance by the Muntu Dance Theatre, was a real treat. It had been a while since my friend and I last saw Black Panther, and It is one of those movies where you notice more details, and different details, watching it again. It is apparent not only in the special effects and visuals, but also in the symbolism and messages.

Black Panther’s thrilling score was composed by Ludwig Göransson, one of most highly praised and inspiring composers working in film today. The musical score was performed by the Philharmonic Orchestra, along with in-sync dialogue and sound effects from the original film.

Göransson himself went to Africa to inspire and immerse himself in the sounds and traditions of the region. While there, he collaborated with musicians such as Diol. He also discovered the beauty of traditional African music, along with various rhythms, instruments, and vocal traditions with his added elements of Western orchestration. The result was a magnificent fusion of a powerful representation of African culture.

Massamba Diop joined the orchestra for this one night only event. Diop originally assisted Göransson with composing Black Panther’s Academy Award winning score, which made the performance even more special. The music brought together traditional Senegalese music, while adding Western symphonic scoring elements, along with 21st century digital production techniques to stay true to the film’s Afro-futuristic themes, and also creating a sound that felt both futuristic and ancient.
This film concert series was a very special evening and performance, as it was perfect timing for the beginning of Black History Month, while celebrating African music, and the film’s legacy through the soundtrack. As we celebrate Black History Month this coming February, Black Panther offers deep messages about Black culture, internal divisions, joint struggles, and dedication to one’s beliefs. All of these factors became an immersive experience, not just by the live orchestra, but also the magnificent venue.
The musical score was more than just music created for a film. It was music of the film’s celebration of African culture, identity, and history. The music represented and sent the message of empowerment, resilience, and unity. Some of the traditional African instruments used included the djembe, balafon, and kalimba, combined with orchestral strings, brass, and percussion. The music was the star and heart of the film. It brought a bigger voice to African music and culture, as having been underrepresented in film for so long.
There is a very exciting lineup of The Auditorium Theater and Chicago Philharmonic’s Phil’s Concert Series coming this year. If it interests you to see a film with a live orchestra, then I highly recommend you try this amazing experience. Even if it is a film that you have seen numerous times, seeing it and hearing it with live music is an experience all of its own.
For more information on The Auditorium Theater and Chicago Philharmonic’s Phil’s Concert Series, or to purchase tickets, please visit the Auditorium website.
Photos are by Jennifer Lunz and David Martinez unless otherwise noted.
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