CONCERT PROGRAM

Aaron Copland: Orchestral Variations
Wynton Marsalis: Tuba Concerto
Michael Oesterle: Entr’actes
Franz Liszt: Les Préludes

Experience the extraordinary range of the tuba in Wynton Marsalis’s innovative concerto, alongside Franz Liszt’s stirring symphonic poem and Aaron Copland’s vibrant variations!

Join us for an evening of diverse musical forms with Miller Conducts Marsalis & Liszt, where each piece brings its own unique character and story. The concert opens with Aaron Copland’s Orchestral Variations, a vibrant and dynamic work showcasing various moods from hymn-like serenity to majestic grandeur. Copland’s use of varied percussion especially adds a distinctive colour to this captivating piece.

The highlight of the night is Wynton Marsalis’s Tuba Concerto, performed by WSO’s former Principal Tuba player, Chris Lee! Marsalis, a legendary jazz and classical musician, blends these genres to create a concerto that expands the boundaries of the tuba. The concerto demands not only technical prowess but also expressive playing, incorporating jazz, work songs, and spirituals. This performance is a rare treat, offering a new perspective on the versatility of the tuba.

The evening concludes with Franz Liszt’s symphonic poem, Les Préludes. This work, part of Liszt’s series of symphonic poems, is a musical exploration of life’s trials and triumphs, a fitting end to the concert.

Fun Fact: Wynton Marsalis, renowned for his jazz compositions, has also made significant contributions to classical music, blending these genres in innovative ways, as seen in his Tuba Concerto.

Musicians in the Making

Pre-Concert Performance

Selections will be announced during the performance.

Subito Brass Quartet

Experience Thursday Classics