RPO's Own "Hometown Heroes" Step into the Solo Spot

Rochester, NY – The Bronx may have the Yankees, and Boston its Red Sox, but in January, it’s the hometown heroes of Rochester’s own Philharmonic Orchestra who take the spotlight.  From percussion to double bass, and from trumpet to tuba, the focus onstage at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre at 8:00 pm on Friday, January 8, and Saturday, January 9, will be on RPO performers, some of whom typically might not be out in front.

In this first Pops concert of 2010, Conductor Michael Butterman (The Louise and Henry Epstein Family Chair) leads the RPO with musicians from its own ranks featured as soloists, in small ensembles, and in orchestral sections. Repertoire includes a wide array of works by Mozart, Vanhal, and Gabrieli, a ragtime tribute to Jelly Roll Morton, Piazzolla tangos, the classic Autumn Leaves, and more. The concert also includes two Jeff Tyzik originals – Woodwind Whirlwind and Four Dances for Tuba. 

“Many of our wonderful musicians don’t often get the opportunity to showcase their solo playing,” said Butterman.  “Not only will this concert be exciting for the musicians, it also will be a rare chance for the audience to get to know our musical family even better.”

Tickets for these performances are $22-$62, with $75 box seats available online 24/7 at www.rpo.org; by phone (454-2100); in-person from the RPO Box Office, 108 East Avenue, 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Monday-Saturday (non-concert Saturdays, 10:00 am-3:00 pm); and seven days a week at area Wegmans.  A convenience fee may apply.  The Pops Series is sponsored by Wegmans; this concert is sponsored by Fidelity Investments.

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