In Tuesday’s (2/15) BU Today, John O’Rourke writes, “It is hard to imagine a musical instrument more maligned than the tuba. Physically imposing, ungainly in appearance, sometimes lumbering in sound, the tuba has been the butt of innumerable jokes. But tonight, the tuba gets its due. Acclaimed composer and conductor Gunther Schuller will conduct the BU Symphony Orchestra in the world premiere of his Concerto No. 2 for Tuba and Orchestra. Boston Symphony Orchestra principal tubist Mike Roylance, a College of Fine Arts lecturer in tuba and euphonium, will be featured as soloist. The performance, free and open to the public, starts at 8 p.m. at the Tsai Performance Center. … Schuller’s career is impressive not just because of its longevity, but its diversity. At age 19, he was soloist for his own Horn Concerto with the Cincinnati Symphony. … He has written nearly 200 pieces of music, including jazz compositions (Teardrop and Jumpin’ in the Future), chamber music, and operas.” O’Rourke interviews Schuller about writing for tuba and other unusual instruments, working with the Boston University Symphony, and audience development in classical music.
Posted February 15, 2011
