The Tucson Symphony Orchestra will open its 2014-15 season with “Bernstein, Copland, Gershwin: American Essentials” on Friday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 28 at 2 p.m. at the Tucson Music Hall.
Music Director and Conductor George Hanson will open his 19th and final full season conducting the program, which features the music of three great 20th century American Jewish composers. Internationally acclaimed pianist Alain Lefèvre will return to the TSO to perform Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F. The concert also will include Leonard Bernstein’s “On the Town: Three Dance Episodes” and Aaron Copland’s Symphony No. 3, which includes his much loved “Fanfare for the Common Man” and is considered by many to be the essential American symphony, says Terry Marshall, TSO public relations manager.
Bernstein became Hanson’s friend and mentor after they met at Indiana University. “He was my most important musical influence and I treasure the time I spent with him,” says Hanson.
Besides Mahler, Bernstein’s music is his favorite to conduct, Hanson says, because “his remarkable personality, which I remember so well, is reflected in every note he put on paper.”
“Concert Comments,” one hour prior to performances, are complimentary with tickets. For ticket information, visit www.tucsonsymphony.org or call 882-8585.
