Upcoming Concerts

THE MUSIC OF ROBERT ELMORE

This is a listing of upcoming concerts which feature / include the works of Robert Elmore. If you are having, or know of additional concerts that include Dr. Elmore's compositions, please click here to email detailed information to David Christopher.

World Premiere of Concerto
for Organ and Orchestra in San Diego

ROBERT PLIMPTON with the GROSSMONT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Friday, March 18, 2011, 7:30 PM
First United Methodist Church of San Diego
Concerto in C Minor for Organ and Orchestra
Detailed information, as seen below, in a Microsoft Word document.

Details: The Premiere of Elmore Concerto for Organ and Orchestra

A newly discovered Concerto in C Minor for Organ and Orchestra, composed by Robert Elmore in 1938, will be given what is believed to be its world premiere performance at the First United Methodist Church of San Diego on Friday, March 18, 2011, 7:30 PM. Robert Plimpton, a former student of Dr. Elmore and long a champion of his organ music, will perform the work with the Grossmont Symphony Orchestra conducted by Dr. Randall Tweed. The work is performed by permission of the National Christian Conference Center, Valley Forge, PA, heirs of the Elmore estate.

Scored for a very large orchestra, the work is vintage early Elmore, with big lush harmonies, driving rhythms, virtuosic writing, and his signature chromaticism. There are two big pedal candezas. The third movement is in jazz-swing style, written at the same time as the composer’s cantata ”The Prodigal Son: a Sermon in Swing” and “Swing Rhapsody for two Pianos.” It is one of the earliest examples of the use of jazz in serious organ music. A hand-written copy of the score and parts is in the University of Pennsylvania Archives. A contemporary computer edition has been prepared by Ryan Beard, a professional music editor, composer, and conductor in San Diego.
This performance is the first in a series of projects undertaken to honor the 100th anniversary of the composer’s birth on January 2, 1913. Bringing this Concerto to life makes a significant contribution to the organ and orchestra repertoire, as it is a major example of twentieth century American musical development. It is hoped that many performances by other orchestras and organists will follow the premiere.

Robert Plimpton is currently Resident Organist of the First United Methodist Church of San Diego and San Diego Civic Organist Emeritus. The Grossmont Symphony Orchestra is San Diego’s “East County” answer to quality classical music performances. Under the musical direction of Randall Tweed, the seventy-five member orchestra—a Grossmont College course offering--is comprised of music and non-music majors, and talented musicians from the community. Dr. Tweed is Director of Choral/Orchestral Activities at Grossmont College, and has been conducting opera, symphony, and chorus throughout Southern and Baja California since joining the music faculty in 1986. Dr. Tweed has frequently appeared as guest conductor on concert music series throughout Southern California including the Cabrillo Chamber Orchestra, United States International Orchestra, and the San Diego Ballet. He is well known for his creative and innovative programming.

The complete program of works for organ and orchestra is:

Tickets: $12 in advance; $15 at the door; No charge for children, youth and college students (with ID).

Advance tickets may be purchased by sending a check payable to "FUMC" and enclosing a self-addressed, stamped envelope, to "Grossmont Symphony Tickets, First United Methodist Church, 2111 Camino del Rio South, San Diego, CA 92108." Orders for tickets received after Thursday, March 10th will be held at Will Call.

Tickets may also be purchased at First United Methodist Church on the patio after Sunday morning worship services, beginning February 28th and in the church office during regular office hours (8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.), beginning Monday, March 1.

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