GOOD AS HELL…
WITH STRINGS

Lizzo and the National Symphony
Orchestra prove that pop and classical
music make exhilarating partners

Lizzo and Steve Reineke

The National Symphony Orchestra’s collaboration with Lizzo at Wolf Trap’s Filene Center proved that when classical and pop are treated as equal partners, the results can be exhilarating. Under the baton of Steven Reineke, the evening celebrated Lizzo’s remarkable versatility as a Grammy- and Emmy-winning artist, accomplished vocalist, songwriter, and classically trained flutist, while demonstrating the flexibility of a world-class orchestra.

Rather than opening with pop hits, the National Symphony Orchestra set the stage with a trio of orchestral masterworks that established the concert’s classical foundation. Mozart’s sparkling Overture to The Magic Flute served as an especially fitting introduction, foreshadowing Lizzo’s own featured flute performances later in the evening. Excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake brought warmth and lyricism, while music from Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10 showcased the orchestra’s power and precision.

When Lizzo burst onto the stage, the atmosphere shifted from concert hall to celebration. Dressed in a dazzling gold ensemble and greeted by roaring applause, she immediately established the infectious energy that defined the evening. New symphonic arrangements transformed familiar hits into richly textured musical experiences, allowing the orchestra to become an integral part of the storytelling rather than simply accompanying the singer.

The dance-floor grooves of “About Damn Time” and “Juice” retained all their irresistible swagger while gaining new brilliance from shimmering strings and bold brass. “2 Be Loved (Am I Ready)” and “Happy 2 Be” sparkled with cinematic color, while “Good as Hell” became an anthem of resilience, buoyed by the orchestra’s soaring accompaniment and an audience eager to sing every word.

Lizzo also revealed the depth of her musicianship through several featured flute selections. Her performance of Gershwin’s “Summertime” was among the evening’s highlights, displaying elegant phrasing, expressive tone, and genuine affection for the classical traditions that first shaped her musical life. These moments reminded the audience that beneath the global pop phenomenon is an accomplished instrumentalist whose artistry extends well beyond the charts.

The evening’s emotional center came during “If You Love Me” and “Don’t Make Me Love You,” where Lizzo’s soulful vocals were beautifully supported by lush orchestral textures. Later, the pairing of “Cuz I Love You” and “Truth Hurts” demonstrated both her extraordinary vocal range and her ability to balance vulnerability with confidence. The concert closed with “Special,” its uplifting message amplified by the full orchestra and embraced by an audience that remained on its feet through the final notes.

Adding another distinctive element was the DCFlutes ensemble, whose collaboration with Lizzo during the featured flute performances created shimmering layers of sound rarely heard in a pop concert. Their appearance celebrated the instrument at the heart of Lizzo’s musical identity and reinforced the evening’s seamless blending of genres.

Reineke once again demonstrated why he is one of today’s foremost pops conductors. He expertly balanced the orchestra’s symphonic richness with the rhythmic drive and spontaneity that define Lizzo’s music, while the musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra moved effortlessly between Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, Gershwin, and contemporary pop.

Throughout the concert, Lizzo’s warmth and humor made the nearly 7,000-seat Filene Center feel surprisingly intimate. Her candid reflections on confidence, perseverance, and embracing one’s authentic self resonated just as deeply as the music itself. She encouraged the audience to sing, dance, and celebrate with her, creating an atmosphere of shared joy perfectly suited to a summer evening under the stars.

Wolf Trap has long championed unexpected artistic partnerships, and this collaboration ranked among its finest. By honoring both classical tradition and contemporary pop without compromising either, Lizzo and the National Symphony Orchestra created a performance that was joyful, sophisticated, and thoroughly entertaining. It was a reminder that great music knows no boundaries—and that an artist equally at home with a concert flute and a pop anthem can inspire audiences in ways few others can.

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photos courtesy of Wolf Trap / Lock & Co.

Lizzo
National Symphony Orchestra
Filene Center, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
reviewed on July 7, 2026
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