One does not simply walk into Michigan Stadium. But Yo-Yo Ma can apparently march into it with a cello.
The world-renowned cellist will join the Michigan Marching Band for a “Lord of the Rings”-themed halftime show Saturday, Sept. 26, when the University of Michigan takes on Iowa.
Presented as a collaboration between the University Musical Society (UMS) and the Michigan Marching Band, the performance marks the 25th anniversary of “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” the first film in Peter Jackson’s blockbuster fantasy trilogy.
And while Wolverines fans may be more accustomed to hearing “The Victors” echo through the Big House than music from the Shire, Saturday’s halftime show will bring several selections from Middle-earth to the field.
The program includes “Prologue: One Ring to Rule Them All,” “Concerning Hobbits,” “A Shortcut to Mushrooms,” “Riders of Rohan” and “Isengard Unleashed.”
Richard Frey, associate director of the Michigan Marching and Athletic Bands, and former Michigan Marching Band director Scott Boerma worked with “Lord of the Rings” composer Howard Shore to adapt the film score for marching band. Frey also arranged a cello cadenza for Ma.
"Collaborating with an artist of Yo-Yo Ma’s extraordinary caliber is a transformative milestone for our student musicians," said John Pasquale, director of the Michigan Marching and Athletic Bands. "The Michigan Marching Band has a long legacy of musical excellence on the field, and sharing the stage — and gridiron — with Yo-Yo Ma elevates that tradition to unprecedented heights. It will be an unforgettable moment for the band, the stadium and everyone watching."
More than 100,000 fans are expected to be on hand for the unusual musical fellowship.
The Michigan Marching Band is no stranger to bringing movie scores onto the football field. Previous halftime shows have drawn from “Wicked,” “Star Wars,” James Bond, “Willy Wonka” and “Dune,” as well as music by film composers John Williams and Hans Zimmer.
UMS also has a history of bringing some unexpected guests into the Big House. Actor Sir Patrick Stewart conducted the national anthem in 2006; the New York Philharmonic performed at halftime in 2015; and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis appeared with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra for a 2022 halftime show.
For UMS, Ma’s appearance also brings a longtime collaborator back into the fold.
"Yo-Yo Ma’s relationship with UMS, the University of Michigan, and the Michigan community is truly singular," said Matthew VanBesien, president of UMS. "As we look ahead toward our 150th season, working closely in this partnership celebrates our shared past while pushing us into thrilling new artistic and civic territory. Bringing Yo-Yo onto the field at Michigan Stadium with the Michigan Marching Band is a powerful symbol of how music bridges disciplines, traditions, and communities."
Ma made his Ann Arbor debut in 1982 and has returned nearly 20 times since.
His Michigan adventures won't end when the last echoes of Isengard disappear from the Big House. Ma is scheduled to return Dec. 10 for a sold-out recital with his longtime collaborator, pianist Emanuel Ax, at Hill Auditorium.
Until then, there is one halftime show to rule them all.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Yo-Yo Ma joins Michigan band for ‘Lord of the Rings’ show
