Maestro Ransom Wilson will conduct the Redlands Symphony performing a new concerto for tuba, written by award-winning composer, Lalo Schifrin on Saturday, March 3rd in Memorial Chapel on the campus of the University of Redlands. The new concerto will be performed by Gene Pokorny, principal tubist of the Chicago Symphony. Doors open at 7 PM and the concert begins at 8 PM. Maestro Wilson will present a pre-concert talk starting at 7:15 PM.
The program also includes G.F. HANDEL’S Concerto Grosso in D major, HWV 323, Symphony No. 104 in D major, by Franz Joseph HAYDN, and Ancient Airs and Dances,Suite 1 by Ottorino RESPIGHI. The evening ends with the iconic Mission: Impossible Theme, also by Lalo SCHIFRIN.
“Tonight, we explore the 18th Century via Handel and Haydn, and newer works influenced by their legacy,” says Wilson, “It’s an exciting mix, but there is a special thrill for any musician to play the world premiere performance of a new work. Legendary composer, Lalo Schifrin’s new Baroque influenced Tuba Concert is just that. And the fact that one of the greatest tubists in the world is performing it with us is icing on the cake. What a night!”
Lalo Schifrin is a true Renaissance man. While possibly best known as composer of the Theme from Mission : Impossible, as a pianist, composer and conductor, Maestro Schifrin is equally at home conducting a symphony orchestra, performing at an international jazz festival, scoring a film or television show, or creating works for the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, the London Philharmonic and even The Sultan of Oman.
Gene Pokorny currently occupies The Arnold Jacobs Principal Tuba Chair, endowed by Christine Querfeld in the Chicago Symphony.
Mr. Pokorny has been the tuba player in the Chicago Symphony since 1989. He has previously also been the tuba player in the Israel Philharmonic, the Utah Symphony, the St. Louis Symphony, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. In addition to playing film scores in Hollywood (“Jurassic Park”, “The Fugitive”, etc.), he has played in chamber music, opera orchestras and orchestra festivals worldwide.
Redlands Symphony also offers its Symphony Select card for $159. A Symphony Select card provides six tickets in the best seats available (excluding Golden Circle) at any concert on any date. Card holders can use 2 tickets per concert, all at once, or in any other combination.