DUO SHEN conductor | BEN RECTOR guest artist | CODY FRY guest artist
Prepare for an unforgettable evening as indie superstar Ben Rector joins forces with the multi-talented Cody Fry for a unique acoustic concert, accompanied by your Grand Rapids Symphony. This extraordinary performance will blend the intimate sounds of guitar and piano with the grandeur of a full symphony orchestra, creating a captivating and immersive musical experience.
Ben Rector is a standout independent artist renowned for his emotionally resonant piano-pop anthems. With more than a billion streams to his name and a track record of sold-out amphitheater performances around the globe, Rector has solidified his place in the music industry. His captivating presence has graced national TV platforms such as Jimmy Kimmel Live, Conan, The Today Show, and Good Morning America. Rector's music has made waves across more than a hundred television shows, commercials, and films, including popular series like Pretty Little Liars and Castle. His 2016 hit single “Brand New” has emerged as one of the most frequently licensed tracks for TV and film in recent years. Beyond chart-topping success, with hits peaking at number one on Billboard’s U.S. Folk chart and number nine on the Top 200, Rector also brought his expertise as an all-star mentor on ABC’s American Idol, sharing the stage with other music luminaries such as Ryan Tedder, Jewel, Jason Aldean, Jimmie Allen, and Joss Stone.
Nashville-based artist Cody Fry has built an impressive career as a singer, songwriter, composer, and producer. His diverse portfolio spans music for national ad campaigns, video games, apps, fashion events, and Vimeo-Staff-Picked short films, as well as scoring for major brands like Netflix and Google and even crafting a Super Bowl commercial for McDonald’s. In 2021, Fry’s track “I Hear a Symphony” gained viral traction on TikTok, marking the start of a new creative chapter characterized by expansive orchestrations, innovative arrangements, and dynamic live performances. That same year, his cover of “Eleanor Rigby” earned a Grammy nomination for “Best Arrangement, Instruments & Vocals,” further highlighting his unique contribution to the music industry.