The Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra is gearing up for the second half of the 37th season reaching to “New Heights” in the 2018-2019 subscription series. Along with the world-class BVSO musicians, February brings the return of pianist, Rob Clearfield, his original works, and his jazz group hailing from New York. Music Director Marcelo Bussiki and your professional orchestra will present a concert of music ranging “From Classics to Jazz” with music from William Grant Still, Jaime Zenamon, and three works composed by Clearfield, one being a World Premiere. The BVSO is partnering with CHI St. Joseph Health as the official sponsor for the 2018-2019 Season.
On Feb. 10 in Rudder Theatre, Music Director Marcelo Bussiki is hosting an evening of classics, jazz, and more as international composer and jazz pianist Rob Clearfield returns to the BVSO to present a program of original music for string orchestra and jazz quartet, featuring New York-based musicians Caroline Davis (alto saxophone), Sam Weber (bass), and Allan Mednard (drums). This performance will feature a new composition written just for the BVSO, as well as music from the quartet's upcoming album. During his decade-plus on the jazz music scene of Chicago, performing both as a solo artist as well as with a number of bands and ensembles, Clearfield has developed a reputation for lyrical and emotive compositions.
“I really tried to draw on things that I love about classical music, while also drawing on what I love about playing jazz. I didn't want either group to be subservient to the other. I hope that a fan of new orchestral music could enjoy this concert, but also that a jazz fan could come and be equally satisfied,” says Composer Rob Clearfield. “I'm looking forward to hearing the music come to life. It's one thing to play a composition in your room on a spinet piano, or play back the score in the computer, but it's a whole different experience to hear those instruments moving the air together in a room,” Clearfield adds.
Clearfield’s works will be complemented by Danzas de Panama from William Grant Still, a well-loved work inspired by a collection of Panamanian folk songs, and by Zenamon’s Caribbean Suite.
What From Classics to Jazz When Sunday, Feb. 10, at 5pm Where Rudder Theatre on Texas A&M University Campus in College Station Program
- Grant Still: Danzas de Panama
- Zenamon: Caribbean Suite
- Clearfield: Green, Underneath, A Door Opens (world premier)
Guest Artists
- Rob Clearfield, piano
- Caroline Davis, alto saxophone
- Allen Mednard, drums
- Sam Weber, bass
Concert Sponsor The Clearfield Family
BVSO patrons can also enjoy free pre-concert talks one hour prior to each subscription performance in the Rudder Theatre Complex. Ann Thompson will again present her delightful and witty insights into the composers, the history, and meaning behind the music. Then after the first four subscription concerts, a patron social hour with the Maestro at Napa Flats will keep the enjoyment going to top off an exquisite evening of music and entertainment.
“Our theme for this year is ‘New Heights’ due to our season featuring guest artists that are truly taking the BVSO to new levels of live performance,” according to Koeninger. “Each and every concert has exciting elements that audiences will love: this concert will have Caribbean, African, and Central American themes, with jazz as the centerpiece – this concert will be a diverse mix of sounds and something you won’t want to miss! Purchase your individual tickets now — you get the best prices in advance.”
Individual tickets to all concerts are available through the MSC Box Office. Call (979) 845-1234 or go online to either www.bvso.org or www.boxoffice.tamu.edu. Single advance tickets for From Classics to Jazz are $45 for adults/$16 for college students and younger. Door prices are slightly higher. All programs are subject to change. Contact the Symphony office at (979) 696-6100 with any further questions.
About the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra The BVSO is a nonprofit performing arts organization with the mission to maintain a symphony of high artistic standards, and to promote the musical arts for cultural and education purposes in the Brazos Valley. For more information about the Symphony's 2018-2019 Season, visit the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra website at www.bvso.org.
