Black Violin: A Fusion of Classical and Hip-Hop - A Must-See Performance at the Wharton Center

Grammy-nominated duo fuses classical and hip-hop in one-night performance on April 30

Photo Credit-Rachel Bennett Photography- Grammy-nominated duo Black Violin Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus

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EAST LANSING, MI — Black Violin, the groundbreaking duo known for blending classical music with hip-hop beats, will take the stage at Wharton Center for one night only on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Tickets are available online at whartoncenter.com, by calling 517.432.2000 or 1.800.WHARTON, or in person at the Wharton Center Ticket Office.

Composed of Wil Baptiste (viola) and Kev Marcus (violin), Black Violin has captivated audiences around the globe with their unique, high-energy performances. The pair first met in orchestra class at Dillard High School of the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Classically trained musicians with a love for hip-hop, they fused both genres to create a signature sound that challenges expectations and breaks down musical boundaries.

Since then, Black Violin has performed at the Billboard Music Awards and collaborated with major artists including Linkin Park, Wu-Tang Clan, Alessia Cara, 2 Chainz, and Lil Wayne. They’ve made appearances on the Today Show, CBS Mornings, and PBS NewsHour, and performed with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Their album Take the Stairs earned a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album in 2020.

Beyond the stage, Baptiste and Marcus are deeply committed to community impact. Through national programs like Turnaround Arts, they reach over 100,000 students each year—especially in low-income and Title 1 schools—offering free performances, workshops, and mentorship. In 2019, they launched the Black Violin Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing access to high-quality music education and inspiring creativity in the next generation of young artists.

Tickets for Black Violin’s Full Circle Tour at Wharton Center are available exclusively through SeatGeek, the official ticketing partner of the Wharton Center.