Acclaimed Composer-Conductor Benjamin Wallfisch Conducts Redlands Symphony

Music lovers will have the chance to meet the second of three candidates to succeed Jon Robertson as Conductor of the Redlands Symphony when renowned composer and conductor Benjamin Wallfisch takes the podium on Saturday, Jan. 23 to lead the orchestra in an exciting concert highlighted by Tchaikovsky’s moving Fourth Symphony. The program also includes Vaughan Williams’ ethereal “Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis” and the witty invention of Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite. “I’m very much looking forward to a wonderful weekend of music making with the Redlands Symphony,” said Maestro Wallfisch. “The orchestra has a long tradition of exceptional musicianship and programming innovation, and this will be a great opportunity for us all to get to know one another with a view to the future.” Benjamin Wallfisch studied conducting in London with Sir Charles Mackerras and Vernon Handley and in Germany with Bruno Weil. At the age of 22, he was appointed Associate Conductor of the English Chamber Orchestra, and between 2003 and 2005 was Assistant Conductor of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic. He has conducted orchestras ranging from the London Symphony and BBC Symphony to the Sydney Symphony and the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl. In addition to being highly sought-after as a symphonic conductor, the Emmy-nominated Mr. Wallfisch enjoys a busy career as a composer and conductor for film. His credits as a composer include “Hammer of the Gods”, “The Escapist”, “Desert Dancer”, and “Summer in February”, and he has orchestrated scores for numerous other films, including “Atonement”, “V for Vendetta”, and “Eat Pray Love”. This will be Mr. Wallfisch’s first appearance with the Redlands Symphony. The concert begins at 8 p.m. in the Memorial Chapel at the University of Redlands campus. Wallfisch will discuss the program in a free pre-concert lecture at 7:15 p.m. For tickets and further information, visit www.RedlandsSymphony.com or call (909) 748-8018.