Tucson Symphony Orchestra

Jennifer Frautschi

Friday, October 4, 2013 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, October 6, 2013 at 2:00 PM

George Hanson, conductor
Jennifer Frautschi, violin

Shostakovich: Festive Overture
Glazunov: Violin Concerto
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 7, “Leningrad” TSO PREMIERE

Grammy® nominee and Avery Fisher career grant recipient Jennifer Frautschi makes her TSO debut opening the season with the technically brilliant and joyful Glazunov Violin Concerto, his most popular work. It is between two of Shostakovich’s major works, the Festive Overture, a lively melodic composition in the classical style and his Symphony No. 7, “Leningrad,” one of his most beloved works written at a time when the country was withstanding the Nazi onslaught.

First Saturday of the month from October through March
Two Performances: 10:00 AM and 11:15 AM.

A fun family experience for everybody. Filled with discovery, storytelling and a front row experience, our interactive ensemble concerts entertain, engage and educate our youngest listeners. (And maybe some of our older listeners too!) They’ll have a great time, and so will you. FREE for everybody with a suggested donation of $3 per person at the door.

Conveniently located at 2175 North Sixth Avenue with plenty of free parking.

October 5 - TSO Wind Quintet
November 2 - TSO String Quartet
December 7 - TSO Percussion Ensemble
January 4 - TSO Piano Trio
February 1 - TSO Brass Quintet
March 1 - TSO Flute Viola Harp Trio

Friday, October 11, 2013 at 8:00 PM

Dark Side of the Moon in its entirety plus hits from The Wall!

A classic-rock milestone, Dark Side of the Moon hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts in 1973 and broke all records by remaining on the Top 200 album charts for 15 years and selling 50 million copies. “Money,” “Time” and “Us and Them” were songs that moved rock from adolescence into adulthood, conceptually addressing aging, madness, money and time. Just six years later, Pink Floyd stunned the world again with The Wall, which sold 23 million copies and became a feature film. “Another Brick in the Wall Part 2” hit No. 1 in seven countries including the U.S. Hear that classic and others such as “Comfortably Numb” and “Run Like Hell.”

Elena Urioste

Saturday, October 19, 2013 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, October 20, 2013 at 2:00 PM

George Hanson, conductor
Elena Urioste, violin

Winger: Conversations with Nijinsky TSO PREMIERE
Barber: Violin Concerto
Haydn: Symphony No. 104 “London”

Recipient of the inaugural Sphinx Medal of Excellence, Elena Urioste has been on the cover of Symphony Magazine and her performances with the Chicago Symphony have been acclaimed for their “hypnotic delicacy,” “expressive poise,” and “lyrical sensitivity.” Her performance of the haunting Violin Concerto by Samuel Barber will pull the listener into its enchanted world immediately. Haydn’s great London Symphony, written at a time of immense accomplishment in his life, reflects his own joy. The program opens with the contemporary work, Conversations with Nijinsky, a ballet suite by dancer-turned-rock star and composer, Kip Winger.

Hacienda del Sol

Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 5:30 PM

TSO Wind Quintet
TSO Flute Viola Harp Trio

“The Soul of Tucson in the Heart of the Foothills,” Hacienda del Sol is a historic jewel with its beautiful views, understated elegance, and award-winning cuisine. Legend has it that Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy made this enchanting hotel their romantic get-away, and both John Wayne and Clark Gable’s names can be found in its historic register. Come see why this classic Arizona resort is the perfect venue for the music of the TSO and you!

Guillermo Figueroa

Friday, October 25, 2013 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, October 27, 2013 at 2:00 PM

Guillermo Figueroa, guest conductor and violin

Cordero: Insula Tropical TSO PREMIERE
Bartók: Suite from The Miraculous Mandarin
Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 2

Guillermo Figueroa returns to the TSO for the first time since 2008 to play and conduct a piece that was written for him, Cordero’s Insula Tropical, a contemporary composition reflecting the cultural aspects of the flora and fauna of Puerto Rico. Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2, one of his most popular, is loved for its glorious harmonies and rich melodies including the familiar tune used in the hit pop song, “Never Gonna Fall in Love Again.” Bartok’s The Miraculous Mandarin, in its time a very controversial work, sizzles with mystical qualities and elaborate melodies.

Jay Friedman

Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, November 10, 2013 at 2:00 PM

Jay Friedman, guest conductor

Dvořák: Slavonic Dances
Sibelius: Lemminkäinen Suite TSO PREMIERE
Strauss: Traumerei am Kamin from Intermezzo TSO PREMIERE

Sibelius’s symphonic poems, the Lemminkäinen Suite, shimmer with the musical glow only he could create. Traumerei am Kamin (Reverie by the Fireside), a brief romantic piece by Strauss, has rich tones of dreamy contemplation. The Slavonic Dances, based on Hungarian rhythms with his own original melodies, made Dvořák famous internationally and have remained some of his most popular works.

Tim Fain and Wendy Sutter

Friday, November 15, 2013 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, November 17, 2013 at 2:00 PM

Andrew Grams, guest conductor
Tim Fain, violin
Wendy Sutter, cello

Adams: The Chairman Dances: Foxtrot for Orchestra
Beethoven: Symphony No. 7
Glass: Double Concerto for Violin and Cello TSO PREMIERE

All three works show how repeated rhythms and speeds shape our perception of the passing of time; all three are also “easy on the ears” tonally which makes concentrating on the rhythmic patterns more enjoyable. Rising star Tim Fain, who accompanied actress Natalie Portman in Black Swan, teams with Wendy Sutter, “one of the great leading cellists of the classical stage,” (Wall Street Journal) to perform Glass’ Double Concerto with its intimate, elegant duets between each movement. The Chairman Dances is from Adams’ popular opera, Nixon in China, and Beethoven’s Seventh features one of the most famous allegrettos in the entire symphonic repertoire.

Andrzej & Jennifer Przybyl

Saturday, November 30, 2013 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, December 1, 2013 at 2:00 PM

From Grammy® Award winner Victor Vanacore
An Evening of Latin Music, Dance & Romance!

This show sizzles with salsa, merengue, mambo, cha-cha, tango and samba and so will you! Victor Vanacore exposes the underlying beat that continually renewed the Latin influence in American pop music from the 50s into the 90s. The show is masterfully crafted with bits of music by Leonard Bernstein, Carlos Santana, George Gershwin, Gloria Estefan, Aaron Copland, Chic Corea and many more by the man who worked with the likes Ray Charles, the Jackson Five, Johnny Mathis, Barry Manilow, and Placido Domingo. Vancore’s spicy arrangements will surprise and delight you!

In the words of legendary Ray Charles… “Victor Vanacore? He's my man.”

See and hear more at www.victorvanacore.com

Gabriela Martinez

Friday, December 6, 2013 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, December 8, 2013 at 2:00 PM

Tania Miller, guest conductor
Gabriela Martinez, piano

Pärt: If Bach Had Raised Bees… TSO PREMIERE
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor”
Sibelius: Symphony No. 1

“Compelling, elegant, and incisive,”(The New York Times) Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Martinez makes her TSO debut performing Beethoven’s most popular Piano Concerto, the Fifth, demonstrating the technical abilities of the pianist and the prowess of Beethoven. Brilliant Estonian composer Arvo Pärt’s Wenn Bach Bienen Gezüchtet Hätte rings with beauty, and Sibelius’ shimmering First Symphony, with its glowing woodwind and string solos featured from the very first beat, is an appropriately spectacular finale.

Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, December 15, 2013 at 2:00 PM

George Hanson, conductor
TSO Chorus - Bruce Chamberlain, director

The Messiah is one of the most popular works in choral literature – and for good reason. Tucsonans come every year telling us that their holidays don’t truly begin until they’ve heard the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and Chorus perform the Messiah. We agree! Make the TSO’s Messiah with its joyous Hallelujah Chorus a special part of your Christmas tradition.

The Magic of Christmas

Saturday, December 21, 2013 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, December 22, 2013 at 2:00 PM

It’s going to snow in Tucson Music Hall!

There’s nothing like the Magic of Christmas. Last season’s all new holiday spectacular brought joy to thousands with its record-breaking attendance. And this year, it’s going to be even more magical when it snows in the hall! Be sure to bring the whole family to see and hear the TSO and our special guests play your favorite Christmas carols and holiday masterpieces, dance, sing, tell the story of Christmas, and welcome Santa too. The Magic of Christmas will warm your heart.

Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 6:30 PM

TSO Soloists TBA

Ring in your New Year with champagne, delicious treats, and extraordinary music - The TSO hosts the most sparkling and elegant New Year’s celebration in southern Arizona. Exciting details to come. Plan now on spending this special evening with us!

George Hanson

Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, January 12, 2014 at 2:00 PM

George Hanson, conductor

Corigliano: Voyage TSO PREMIERE
Schumann: Konzertstück for 4 Horns & Orchestra
Schubert: Symphony No. 9 “The Great “

Franz Schubert himself considered it the finest and most beautifully orchestrated work of all of his compositions and music lovers agree! Schubert’s 9th, “The Great,” has stood shoulder to shoulder with Beethoven’s finest compositions for over 170 years. Opening with Corigliano’s musical homage to Baudelaire’s provocative poem about a poet’s life, Voyage is a sensual journey of lush instrumentation. The Konzertstück was written in one of Schumann’s most prolific periods and features intricacies for the horns with bright, witty accompaniment by the orchestra.

Itzhak Perlman

Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at 8:00 PM

George Hanson, conductor
Itzhak Perlman, violin

Reigning violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman peforms with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra for the first time in thirty years!

Awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Clinton, the Kennedy Center honoree and 15-time Grammy®-winning performer has enthralled audiences worldwide on stage, recordings, film and television.

You don’t want to miss your chance to see and hear this unforgettable one night only performance of Itzhak Perlman with the TSO.

“He has a rare sense of drama, an instinctive understanding of how to develop a musical line,” New York Times, Sept. 2012

Subscribe and get priority seating. First-come, first seated!

Steven Moeckel

Friday, January 17, 2014 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, January 19, 2014 at 2:00 PM

George Hanson, conductor
Steven Moeckel, violin

Corigliano: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra The Red Violin TSO PREMIERE
Mahler: Symphony No. 5

Film music takes center stage as former Concertmaster Steven Moeckel returns to the TSO to perform the popular and powerful concerto John Corigliano composed and Joshua Bell performed in The Red Violin. Mahler’s brilliant Fifth Symphony, with its plaintive, engrossing and moving Adagietto, was popularized by the classic film, Death in Venice.

Michael Cavanaugh

Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, January 26, 2014 at 2:00 PM

MICHAEL CAVANAUGH - Songs of Billy Joel and more
Star of the Hit Broadway Musical Movin’ Out!

Star of the hit Broadway musical Movin’ Out!, Michael Cavanaugh is the New Voice of the American Rock & Roll Songbook. A charismatic performer, musician and actor, made famous for his piano/lead vocals in the Broadway Musical Movin’ Out, Michael Cavanaugh was handpicked by Billy Joel to star in the title role and evokes a style rivaling the Piano Man. His performance received accolade after accolade, culminating with both Grammy® and Tony award nominations.Now you will see him live, performing the hits of Billy Joel and Elton John as only he can. So get “movin’ out” of the house and get yourself to Tucson Music Hall for some fun!

The Critics on Michael Cavanaugh

“The New Voice of the American Rock and Roll Songbook” - Billboard Magazine

“Brilliant” - Variety Magazine

“The Amazing Michael Cavanaugh” - The New York Times

“Phenomenal” Chicago Sun Times

“Terrific” - O Magazine

See and hear more at michaelcavanaugh.com

Jennifer Johnson Cano

Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, February 9, 2014 at 2:00 PM

George Hanson, conductor
Jennifer Johnson Cano, mezzo-soprano

Berlioz: Queen Mab Scherzo from Roméo et Juliette TSO PREMIERE
Berlioz: Les nuits d'été TSO PREMIERE
Ravel Trois poèmes de Stéphane Mallarmé
Ravel: Le Tombeau de Couperin

The program is one of fantasy and dreams, some frothy with exuberance and others dark and mysterious offering reflection. It opens with the Scherzo from Roméo et Juliette, a sprightly interlude, playfully dancing from horns to piccolos to orchestra and back again. Summer Nights is a musical nod by Berlioz to A Midsummer Night’s Dream. A tour-de-force for the soprano, Ravel’s three poems create shadowy, burnished, yearning beauty. Closing the program is Le Tombeau de Couperin, a composition rich with hope.

In partnership with the Tucson Desert Song Festival.

Jennifer Johnson Cano, William Burden, Jordan Bisch

Friday, February 14, 2014 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, February 16, 2014 at 2:00 PM

George Hanson, conductor
Jennifer Johnson Cano, mezzo-soprano
William Burden, tenor
Jordan Bisch, baritone

Berlioz: The Damnation of Faust TSO PREMIERE

Hector Berlioz composed The Damnation of Faust after being inspired by Goethe’s Faust and it is his rendering of the opus into musical form. The composition is divided into five parts- from the time Méphistophélès seduces Faust with the purity of Marguerite, her seduction by Faust, her pending execution and Faust’s pact with the devil to save her. A wonderful performance piece and a once in a lifetime event in Tucson with the TSO.

George Hanson calls this, “the single biggest project of this artistic and musical level that has ever been done in Tucson.” A collaboration with the Tucson Desert Song Festival, The Damnation of Faust will star some of the biggest names from the Metropolitan Opera today:

Jennifer Johnson Cano
“Effortlessly likable, but in both her voice and her manner there is also a hint of something steely. Ms. Johnson Cano has an honesty and assurance so impressive that you want to call it bravery.” The New York Times

William Burden
An outstanding reputation in a wide-ranging repertoire throughout Europe and North America, he has appeared at the Met, San Francisco, Seattle, New York City and Santa Fe Operas, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera and La Scala.

Jordan Bisch
“A beautifully chocolaty yet well-focused bass.” Dallas Morning News. A graduate of the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program, he made his main stage debut there in Parsifal, and has since appeared in productions of Aida, Idomeneo, Roméo et Juliette and the new English language production of Il barbiere di Siviglia.

In partnership with the Tucson Desert Song Festival

The Midtown Men

Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, February 23, 2014 at 2:00 PM

THE MIDTOWN MEN
4 Stars from the Original Broadway Cast of Jersey Boys Show

They took the world by storm in one of the biggest hits of all-time as original cast members of Broadway’s Jersey Boys. Now they are together again as rock stars in their own right as THE MIDTOWN MEN. Tony Award winner Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and Tony Award nominee J. Robert Spencer bring to life their favorite “Sixties Hits” from The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Motown, The Four Seasons and more. These guys keep iconic music from the ‘60s alive in the 21st century while giving it a new “twist.” Don’t miss the top-shelf choreography, incredible harmonies and legendary onstage chemistry that is THE MIDTOWN MEN!

“Authenticity is the core of this musical brotherhood… the Midtown Men sound as crisp as their Rat Pack-inspired suits!” - NY Daily News

“... as good as popping Meet the Beatles on my turntable for the first time!” - Charles Alexander, Long Time Senior Editor, Time Magazine

See and hear more at www.themidtownmen.com

James Feddeck

Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, March 9, 2014 at 2:00 PM

James Feddeck, guest conductor

Mendelssohn: Hebrides Overture
Stravinsky: Pulcinella Suite
Beethoven: Symphony No. 4

The program opens with the Hebrides Overture, a work conceived by Mendelssohn’s Scottish trip and his visit to Fingal’s Cave, which inspired his musical representation of the eerie sounds produced by the echoes of waves. The suite from Stravinsky’s ballet based on the Commedia dell’arte character is the musical story of a suitor in his farcical attempts to woo a young lady. One of Beethoven’s most complex works, the Fourth Symphony is rich in beauty, fiery in tempo and exuberant in spirit. An exciting finish to the evening!

Neil Sedaka

Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 8:00 PM

Neil Sedaka
THE MUSIC OF OUR LIVES

The history of Rock N’ Roll would be incomplete without the innumerable contributions of Neil Sedaka. Sedaka has written, performed, produced, and inspired countless songs including “Breaking Up is Hard to Do,” “Stupid Cupid,” “Where the Boys Are,” “Calendar Girl,” “Laughter in the Rain,” “Love Will Keep Us Together,” and wrote songs for Frank Sinatra (“The Hunger Years”), Elvis Presley (“Solitaire”), Tom Jones and The Fifth Dimension.

With a career that spans six decades, Sedaka never ceases to amaze. A consummate musician, a unique vocalist, an ageless song writing talent and devoted entertainer, this evening will make for an extraordinary memory.

Amit Peled

Friday, March 14, 2014 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, March 16, 2014 at 2:00 PM

Edwin Outwater, guest conductor
Amit Peled, cello

Bates: Alternative Energy TSO PREMIERE
Saint-Saëns: Cello Concerto No. 1
Debussy: La Mer

A work by Chicago Symphony Composer-in-residence, Mason Bates, Alternative Energy incorporates contemporary electronic sounds into the orchestra’s performance. A montage of time travel from 1896 through 2222, the four movements alternate from whimsical to moving and eerie. Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto No.1 is a work designed to show every capability of the cello and one which grabs the listener’s attention from the first few bars with its mellifluous melodies. Hearing the ocean from a thousand miles away in La Mer, Debussy’s imaginative, dramatic symphonic tone poem, is a fitting end to this exhilarating program.

Friday, March 28, 2014 at 8:00 PM

No matter how old you are, you’ll know these songs. The early ‘80s matched and even surpassed the ‘60s for new bands, sounds and most of all fabulous songs. New music was everywhere and radio again was king. Thrill to the music of Tears For Fears, The Bangles, George Michael, Prince, Heart, Bananarama, The B-52s, Cindy Lauper and many more.

Cherish The Ladies

Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, March 23, 2014 at 2:00 PM

CHERISH THE LADIES

When describing Cherish the Ladies, the critics say it best; “It is simply impossible to imagine an audience that wouldn’t enjoy what they do“, the Boston Globe, "An astonishing array of virtuosity“, the Washington Post, ”Expands the annals of Irish music in America, the music is passionate, tender and rambunctious", The New York Times. Cherish the Ladies have proven themselves worthy to live up to these accolades and in doing so have become one of the most engaging ensembles in the history of Irish music. They have shared the stage with such noted entertainers as James Taylor, Joan Baez, and Emmy Lou Harris and recorded with talents such as Vince Gill and Nanci Griffith. With their unique spectacular blend of virtuosi instrumental talents, beautiful vocals, captivating arrangements and stunning step dancing, this powerhouse group combines all the facets of Irish traditional culture making for an immensely humorous and entertaining evening.

More about the band
"The Ladies are first generation Irish-American with pride in their roots, a terrific sense of fun and heaps of music in their fingers and toes. Cherish the Ladies is their name and cherish them this enthusiastic Glasgow audience did." - Rob Adams, The Glasgow Herald (Scotland)

“One of the best nights of music I've ever heard…I can't rave enough about Cherish the Ladies!” - Oliver Sweeney, Hot Press Magazine (Dublin)

“Brava! Long may this ensemble continue.” - Earl Hitchner, The Irish Voice

“Among the highlights: bubbling good humor, infectious enthusiasm and the exuberant step dancing.” - Don Heckman, Los Angeles Times

See and hear more at cherishtheladies.com

Tubac Golf Resort & Spa

Sunday, March 30, 2014 at 5:30 PM

TSO String Quartet
TSO Percussion Ensemble

Set on the historic 500-acre Otero Ranch in the Santa Cruz River Valley, the Spanish Colonial architecture and lush grounds are enhanced by magnificent views of the Tumacacori and Santa Rita mountain peaks. Tubac Golf Resort & Spa effortlessly blends historic charm with modern sensibilities making for an exquisite musical event. You’ll love every minute of your evening.

Jeremy Denk

Friday, April 4, 2014 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, April 6, 2014 at 2:00 PM

Jeremy Denk, Piano
George Hanson, conductor

Wagner: Prelude, Act III, from Lohengrin
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 25 TSO PREMIERE
Wagner: Ring without Words TSO TSO PREMIERE

A frequent collaborator with Joshua Bell, The New York Times claims Denk is “a pianist you want to hear no matter what he performs, in whatever combination.” He makes his TSO debut performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 25, one of the most complex that Mozart wrote for the piano and considered one of his greatest works. The program opens with Prelude to Act III, from Lohengrin, perhaps Wagner’s most recognizable prelude, and concludes with his massive Ring Cycle distilled into the high points of the entire composition.

Young Artist Competion Finalist Carissa-Powe

Friday, May 9, 2014 at 8:00 PM

A full orchestra concert featuring winners of the TSO Young Artists Competition and selected works by students in the TSO Young Composers Project, this event showcases the talented young musicians in our community.

YCP student Ben Nead with Richard Danielpour

Saturday, May 17, 2014
2:00 PM and 7:00 PM

TSO Chamber Orchestra

The Young Composers Project is a unique, cutting-edge program teaches students age 9 through high- school to compose music for orchestra, culminating in reading sessions and recordings by the TSO. Yo-Yo Ma said of this program, “In all my years I have never encountered such an extraordinary program.”

There is also an earlier session on Friday, May 16 at 7:00 p.m. at the Tucson Symphony Center with the TSO String Quintet. Come hear new works come to life!