“Commanding stage presence, infallible technique, and interpretive ability” raves Violinist.com of Amaryn Olmeda. Hear her in Tchaikovsky’s blazing Violin Concerto. These concerts also include the mesmerizing Sensemayá of Revueltas, and Richard Strauss’ glowing self-portrait, Ein Heldenleben – “A Hero’s Life.”
Joseph Haydn developed the Symphony as we know it. His famed “Surprise” Symphony still jolts listens after more than two centuries. Also, the intoxicating, seductive sound of the classical guitar in the greatest of all guitar concertos, Rodrigo’s haunting Concierto de Aranjuez with Rafael Aguirre. He has been hailed as “one of the most acclaimed ambassadors of the Spanish guitar” by Madrid’s El País.
José Luis Gómez welcomes Alexis Cárdenas (violin), Jorge Glem (the Venezuelan ukulele-like cuatro venezolano) and Elvis Martínez (the Mexican guitar-like bajo). The three join forces for Romero’s Bach-inspired Fuga con Pajarillo. Cárdenas plays Ravel’s dazzling Tzigane, and with Glem, Gonzalo Grau’s breathless Rapsodia latina. These concerts conclude with Sibelius’ bracing Fifth Symphony.
The great strength and nobility of Brahms’ Fourth and final Symphony places it among his most profound achievements. The Tucson Symphony’s Dario Brignoli is the soloist in Carl Maria von Weber’s delightful First Clarinet Concerto. And the inner glow of Jennifer Higdon’s blue cathedral will soothe long after its sumptuous sound fades into silence. Young conducting sensation Gerald Karni takes the podium for these concerts.
Five stars were awarded by BBC Music Magazine to Copenhagen’s Trio con Brio, “Beethoven superbly performed.” Their performances of Beethoven’s too-rarely encountered tour-de-force, the Triple Concerto, have captivated audiences everywhere. These concerts conclude as Guest Conductor Katharina Wincor (“precise and evocative,” Dallas Morning News) leads the spirited Seventh Symphony of Antonín Dvořák.
We are excited to announce Reed Day 2025: Saturday, November 22nd, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., here at The University of Arizona School of Music!
UA Reed Day is an educational event for oboists, clarinetists, saxophonists, and bassoonists of all ages and abilities. There will be clinics, ensembles, vendors with equipment to try and purchase, and concerts featuring both the UA Reed Faculty and ensembles involving participants!
This event is hosted by Dr. Sara Fraker, Dr. Jackie Glazier, Dr. Marissa Olegario, Dr. Edward Goodman, and the UA oboe, clarinet, saxophone, and bassoon studios!
For full schedule of events, online registration, tickets, and for general information about UA Reed Day, visit: https://saxophone.music.arizona.edu/reedday/
Be sure to share this with family, friends, students, and reed instrumental hobbyist alike!
You’ll want to bust out a joyful Yee Haw! as this rootin’-tootin’ concert celebrates all of your old west favorites. The Arizona Waltz, How the West Was Won, The Magnificent Seven, and more will make this a sure-fire hoedown to remember!
It beguiles and seduces. Sensuous, exotic. Scheherazade is a spectacular showpiece displaying the virtuosity of the Tucson Symphony under José Luis Gómez. These concerts also feature American Promise by Karen LeFrak, commemorating the nation’s 250th birthday, a quest for freedom and a quiet prayer of appreciation. And Charles Yang, who “plays classical violin with the charisma of a rock star” (Boston Globe), plays the moving For a Younger Self by Kris Bowers, noted composer for film, television and the concert stage.
The greatest story ever told. The most majestic music ever conceived. This is the Messiah of the season and music’s most inspiring message of faith. Rejoice greatly!
Each work echoes with sweet nostalgia. Smetana’s graceful, flowing “The Moldau” is a memory of his Czech homeland. The Third Symphony of Jean Sibelius recalls a Mozartian intimacy then adds a bristling urgency.
’S wonderful! ’S marvelous! ’S what you’ll love to see! The fascinating rhythms of George Gershwin will fill the air when José Luis Gómez explores Gershwin in the 1920s including unforgettable jazz-age tunes like the immortal Rhapsody in Blue.
Enjoy the stirring scores of Oscar®-winner Hans Zimmer, including your favorite movie music from The Lion King, Pirates of the Caribbean, Gladiator, Batman: The Dark Knight Rises, and more.
The symphonies of Beethoven speak to generation upon generation. His path-breaking Second Symphony reflects the lingering influence of his teacher, Joseph Haydn. Dan Coleman, too, has spoken of his debt to Haydn. He composed his Motif or Memory especially for oboe virtuoso Gustav Highstein. And Stravinsky’s enchanting Pulcinella glances back to Baroque giant Giovanni Pergolesi.
“A thoroughly serious, intelligent musician,” raves the Financial Times of London. The Boston Herald declares his playing is “direct, honest and a joy to hear.” Audiences around the globe have cheered the phenomenal Joshua Bell. See him, live in concert with the Tucson Symphony and Music Director José Luis Gómez, performing Bruch’s virtuosic Violin Concerto No. 1.
It was a work Brahms labored over for a dozen years. Consoled by the psalms, the gospels, and the prophets, he set their words to his music. Music that would be his grandest. Perhaps even his greatest. José Luis Gómez conducts Brahms’ poetic settings from the Bible, A German Requiem. Plus, arias of Mozart and Carlos Chávez’ colorful realization of the organ Chaconne of Buxtehude.
Laurel Canyon was the birthplace of the California Sound, filled with harmonies of peace, love and musical innovation. Revel in the timeless melodies of The Mamas & The Papas, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac and others.
“A big, luscious tone and a technique as natural as breathing,” raves The Washington Post of Paul Huang who joins José Luis Gómez and the Tucson Symphony for Brahms’ romantic Violin Concerto. The 22-year-old Mozart composed his joyous Symphony No. 31 during his eight months in Paris. And discover Grammy-nominated Spanish-American composer Andrea Casarrubios. Her elegiac Herencia honors both her heritage, and that of the listener.
Sergei Rachmaninoff declared, “I try to make my music speak simply and directly that which is in my heart.” Michael Davidman, who triumphed to win the American Piano Awards, plays Rachmaninoff’s ravishing Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. 44 years earlier, Rachmaninoff’s now-too-rarely-heard Youth Symphony showed more than mere promise. The mastery of the 18-year-old composer is astonishing. Tchaikovsky infused Ukrainian folk melodies and colorful orchestration into his blazing “Little Russian” Symphony, his first masterpiece in the form.
The glory of Bach: the brilliant Double Violin Concerto. The passion of Tchaikovsky: the exquisite, lilting Serenade for Strings. Both in concerts also featuring Respighi’s sparkling Ancient Airs and Dances. And music by Pulitzer Prize winner Ellen Reid, her mystical, searching West Coast Sky Eternal.
The love of Daphnis and Chloe inspired Maurice Ravel produce his most intoxicating score, and in the estimation of no less than Stravinsky, it is “one of the most beautiful products of all French music.” Sphinx Competition winner Sterling Elliott has been hailed by New York Concert Review for his “perfect intonation, style, and total involvement.” Experience his artistry in Elgar’s achingly poignant Cello Concerto.
Go behind the scenes and inside the music with Maestro Gómez. Enjoy excerpts, commentary, and a complete performance of this symphonic masterpiece.
John Williams has transported us beyond our imagination to new worlds through heart-pounding adventures. This 50th Anniversary celebration will feature all your favorites: Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, E.T., Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and of course, Star Wars. The force will be with you for this once-in-a-lifetime event.