GREENSBORO, NC – On March 21, 2026, the Gail Brower Huggins Performance Center at Greensboro College will host a truly historic and culturally significant event: a concert that boldly breaks down genre barriers as the Philharmonia of Greensboro collaborates with the genre-bending sensation, The NuBeing Collective.
This performance is being heralded as a defining moment for the local music scene, showcasing the extraordinary potential when the formal tradition of classical music embraces the raw, improvisational energy of hip-hop.The "Odd Couple" Collaboration
At the heart of this fusion lies an intriguing and inspiring partnership. Conducting the Philharmonia is the respected Maestro Peter Perret, whose decades-long career will shortly conclude with his retirement in 2026, making this one of his final, most innovative projects. Teaming up with him is Cyril Howell, Jr. AKA daFantom336, the fast-rising producer and creative engine behind The NuBeing Collective.
This pairing—the seasoned Maestro and the innovative, young hip-hop musician—forms a delightful "odd couple," embodying the very spirit of artistic collaboration across generational and stylistic lines. Their shared goal is not merely to perform side-by-side, but to create a wholly new musical experience where the orchestra and the band's core hip-hop foundation blend seamlessly.A Convergence of Local Talent and Genre-Bending Sound
The NuBeing Collective has already gained renown for being a powerful hip-hop fusion group, fearlessly blending elements of jazz, soul, funk, and rock into their energetic performances. Their decision to now incorporate the full grandeur of a symphony orchestra is the ultimate expression of their commitment to genre-bending creativity.
The evening will feature new music composed by daFantom336 and brought to life through intricate arrangements by UNCG alumnus Leroy Pridgen IV. A major highlight of the program is the performance of their hit song, "Come Together," an explosive, orchestra-backed piece that draws Beatles inspiration while remaining rooted in a powerful, modern rhythm.
Adding a poignant local connection, one of The NuBeing Collective’s frontmen, Matthew Miller, will be returning to his alma mater for the performance. Miller is a proud Greensboro College alumnus with a Bachelor's degree in Saxophone proficiency, showcasing the diverse pathways for arts graduates in the modern music industry. The program will also treat audiences to a reinvented approach to a popular song by Frank Sinatra, demonstrating the limitless possibilities of this cross-genre experiment.