Tulsa Symphony Salutes “The Plow that Broke the Plains”

Not about to rest on its laurels after its phenomenal sold out concerts on both January 6 and January 27, Tulsa Symphony is preparing for its next concert on Saturday, March 24 at 7:30pm. James Bagwell will be conducting an evening of cinematic scores composed by Bernard Herrmann, Erich Korngold, Virgil Thomson and Aaron Copland and as an extra benefit, Tulsa Symphony Orchestra will be hosting Bruce Crawford, film historian and documentary producer, for a pre-curtain discussion about the genius of Bernard Herrmann.

Guests to Chapman Music Hall will soon recognize the familiar melodies from Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpieces Psycho, Vertigo and North by Northwest (Hermann) as well as the swashbuckling Robin Hood Suite (Korngold) and The Plough that Broke the Plains by Virgil Thomson. Of course, Aaron Copland’s The Red Pony was the soundtrack for John Steinbeck’s 1949 film starring Myrna Loy and Robert Mitchum.

James Bagwell returns to Tulsa to conduct the evening’s performance. Maestro Bagwell is most familiar to Tulsans as Music Director for Light Opera Oklahoma. In addition to his work in Tulsa, Maestro Bagwell maintains an active schedule throughout the United States as a conductor of choral, operatic, and orchestral literature.

Becoming a star attraction- $5.00 Star Seats. Fueled by our sell out crowds in January, Tulsa Symphony is extending its $5.00 balcony seat offer to its March 24 concert. These first come-first serve seats are only available by calling the Tulsa Performing Arts Center ticket office at 918-596-7111.

Podcasts- You can access Tulsa Symphony’s pre-concert podcasts through the TSO website at www.tulsasymphony.org. These podcasts are designed by Dr. Carol Reynolds, former Associate Professor of Music History at the Meadows School of the Arts, Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. The fascinating lectures combine history, music theory, and behind-the-scenes insight on the pieces and composers featured in the evening’s program.

Cinematic Treat – In a nod to Bernard Herrmann’s wide appeal, Tulsa Symphony Orchestra has invited Bernard Herrmann expert Bruce Crawford for a pre-curtain lecture on Herrmann’s contributions to the cinema. Mr. Crawford is a film historian, documentary producer and promoter and organizer of film tributes in Omaha, Nebraska. He also is a writer, lecturer and entrepreneur. It is his love of the great film scores that first garnered him national attention. He has produced two nationally and internationally broadcast radio documentaries on film composers Bernard Herrmann and Miklos Rozsa (Ben-Hur). Bernard Herrmann: A Celebration of His Life and Music is a salute to the composer of scores to such films as CITIZEN KANE, PSYCHO, TAXI DRIVER, THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL, VERTIGO, NORTH BY NORTHWEST,THE GHOST AND MRS.MUIR, MYSTERIOUS ISLAND, OBSESSION, FAHRENHEIT 451 and THE TWILIGHT ZONE (TV Series)

Tulsa Symphony Orchestra has partnered with Circle Cinema to showcase Bernard Herrmann and Mr. Crawford during a special showing of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho on Sunday, March 25. For ticket and showing information, please call Circle Cinema at 592-FILM (3456). Circle Cinema is located at 10 South Lewis (Lewis & Admiral)- www.circlecinema.com

Aaron Copland once said that Thomson's idea behind his music "is derived from the conviction that modern music has forgotten its audience almost completely, that the purpose of music is not to impress and overwhelm the listener but to entertain and charm him. Thomson seems determined to win adherents to music through music of an absolute simplicity and directness." Come prepared to be entertained and charmed by Tulsa Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, March 24, at 7:30 pm in the Chapman Music Hall of the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.

Single tickets to the evening’s event may be purchased through the Tulsa Performing Arts Center’s ticket office by calling 918-596-7111 or online at www.myticketoffice.com.