Why does this tuba player look so happy? Maybe it’s because he recently took the spotlight when he premiered a new tuba concerto by Samuel Adler with the Toledo Symphony. David Saltzman, the Toledo Symphony’s principal tuba, performed the concerto’s world premiere on October 20, led by Music Director Alain Trudel at the Toledo Museum of Art’s Peristyle Theater. Saltzman said he had been a fan of Adler’s music “from the first time I played a piece of his in high school. I have loved the challenge of finding my voice in this complex and challenging work. I especially love the first movement, which Sam has written as a ‘Cantilization’ affirming our collaboration not only as musicians, but as Jewish musicians.” Before the premiere, Saltzman said he hoped that “even if you know nothing about Jewish music there will be moments in this opening section where something of his and my shared heritage can be heard.” The year 2018 featured at least one other entry in the rare tuba concerto category: in March, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Principal Tuba Craig Knox performed the world premiere of Jennifer Higdon’s new tuba concerto.
Caption: Toledo Symphony Principal Tuba David Saltzman.
