Thursday, December 1, 2011

Branford Marsalis & Thomas Wilkins Perform 'Beethoven 7' with Detroit Symphony Orchestra Dec. 2-4


[Saxophonist Branford Marsalis and Guest Conductor Thomas Wilkins]

On May 22, 2011 AfriClassical posted: “Thomas Wilkins Conducts Saxophonist Branford Marsalis and Detroit Symphony Orchestra Dec. 2-4.” The performances we have been eagerly anticipating begin tomorrow:

“DSO Welcomes Saxophone Sensation Branford Marsalis
Detroit, (November 22, 2011) –World-renowned saxophone sensation Branford Marsalis will join the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) this weekend during its performance of 'Beethoven 7,' with Thomas Wilkins conducting. The program includes Bartόk’s Rumanian Folk Dances, Glazunov’s Concerto for Saxophone and String Orchestra in E-flat, Schulhoff’s Hot-Sonate for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92. The performances will take place on Friday, Dec. 2 at 10:45 a.m.; Saturday, Dec. 3 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 4 at 3 p.m.

“National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, renowned Grammy Award‐winning saxophonist and Tony Award nominee Branford Marsalis is one of the most revered instrumentalists of his time. Leader of one of the finest jazz quartets today, and a frequent soloist with classical ensembles, Branford has become increasingly sought after as a featured soloist with such acclaimed orchestras as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Düsseldorfer Symphoniker, North Carolina Symphony and the Boston Pops. His growing repertoire includes compositions by Copland, Debussy, Glazunov, Ibert, Mahler, Milhaud, Rorem and Vaughn Williams. After making his first appearance with the New York Philharmonic in the summer of 2010, Marsalis was again invited to join them as a soloist in their 2010‐2011 concert series where he unequivocally demonstrated his versatility and prowess, bringing what The New York Times called 'a gracious poise and supple tone…and an insouciant swagger' to the repertoire. Whether on the stage, in the recording studio, in the classroom or in the community, Branford Marsalis embodies a commitment to musical excellence and a determination to keep music at the forefront.

“In addition to his role as Music Director of the Omaha Symphony, a post he’s held since 2005, Thomas Wilkins is Principal Guest Conductor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and holds the Germeshausen Family and Youth Concert Conductor chair with the Boston Symphony.”

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