GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., February 8, 2011 – Children will be able to experience an exciting concert designed just for them when the Grand Rapids Symphony presents its next DTE Energy Foundation Family Series concert “Battle of the Brass” on Sunday, Feb. 20, 3 p.m., in the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center.
Musicians from the Symphony’s brass section, including trumpets, trombones, horns and tubas, will be strutting their stuff as they demonstrate the power and beauty of brass instruments. The music will be light, fast, loud and fun – and sure to entertain and delight audiences of all ages.
Associate Conductor John Varineau will lead the musicians, who will also be joined by guest artist and Big Rapids-native Edward K. Mallett.
“This concert will highlight the power and majesty of brass instruments in what will be an engaging and a little unusual performance,” Varineau explained. “We will literally unravel their mystery on stage as we stretch and straighten more than 22 coiled feet of pipe. Our brass players will play just on their mouthpieces, too, so children can see and hear what that sound is like.
“As the finale, we will split the brass section into three and send them out into the auditorium to perform – delivering what we anticipate will be a surround-sound sonic blowout.”
Highlights of the program will include Leroy Anderson's ever-popular “Bugler’s Holiday,” performed by trumpets; an arrangement by the Symphony’s Erich Peterson of “Tico, Tico,” a song made famous by Carmen Miranda, performed by French horns; and “Razzazza-Mazzazza,” performed by trombones.
Mallet, who is known as a virtuoso on the euphonium, will join the orchestra for a brilliant showpiece, “From the Shores of the Mighty Pacific,” followed by a low-down version of the “Clarinet Polka,” performed with Symphony tuba player Monty Burch.
Also recognized internationally as a tuba player, Mallett is also known as the world’s foremost authority on the double bell euphonium. As a composer, his works range from intimate chamber pieces to full orchestral symphonic compositions and have been performed throughout the world.
Mallett earned his undergraduate degree in music from Central Michigan University and his graduate degrees in music from Michigan State University. In 1998 he was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in music.
TICKETS: Tickets are $15 for adults, $9 for children, and can be purchased without a service fee in person at the Symphony office, 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 100, or at the door the day of the concert. Tickets also can be purchased by calling the Symphony office at 616/454-9451, Ext 4. A handling fee will be charged for phone orders. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster by calling 800/982-2787, at outlets including select D&W Fresh Market and Family Fare Stores, Walmart or online through www.grsymphony.org. Tickets purchased at these locations will include a Ticketmaster service fee.
About the Grand Rapids Symphony
The Grammy-nominated Grand Rapids Symphony was officially organized in 1930 and is recognized as one of America’s leading regional orchestras. Led by Music Director David Lockington, eight concert series are presented, featuring a wide range of music and performance styles. More than 400 performances are presented each year, touching the lives of some 170,000. Nearly half of those who benefit are students, senior citizens and people with disabilities reached through extensive education and community service programs. The Symphony sponsors the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and Classical Orchestra, Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Choruses, and also provides the orchestra for Opera Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Ballet Company. To learn more about the Grand Rapids Symphony, please visit www.grsymphony.org.
These concerts are made possible with support from the Michigan Council of Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.