Forget seeing the magic happen; it’s time to hear it happen. The Tucson Symphony Orchestra collaborates with “Pixar in Concert” to bring musical magic to Tucson on Nov. 28 at 4:00 p.m. and Nov. 29 at 2:00 p.m. in the Tucson Music Hall.
TSO public relations manager Terry Marshall said “Pixar in Concert’s” critically-acclaimed music is not to be missed, according to a press release.
“Music from Pixar films has won three Academy Awards, received ten additional Oscar nominations, and won ten Grammys,” Marshall wrote. “The San Francisco Symphony premiered ‘Pixar in Concert’ in July 2012. Since then, it has traveled to 80 countries.”
“The music itself travels,” said Johnathan Heely, the director of music publishing and concert licensing for Pixar, known for his contributions to Disney’s “Fantasia.” “The pieces travel to different orchestras. So each time it’s a brand new premiere.”
On a big screen, the audience sees clips stream from the “Toy Story”trilogy, “Finding Nemo,” “Cars,” “Cars 2,” “Up,” “Brave,” “Monsters Inc.,” “A Bug’s Life,” “The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille” and “WALL-E,” all while the Tucson Symphony Orchestra brings the soundtracks to life.
“There is no dialogue with the clips,” Heely said. “Any emotion is communicated by the music. It works wonderfully.”
The TSO has rehearsed extensively over the past few months to provide the best interpretation of the “Pixar in Concert” program.
“There’s a special energy with Pixar,” Heely said. “The films with the live orchestras share this Disney and Pixar magic with families.”
According to Tuscon Symphony Orchestra’s website, “TSO is one of 32 Tucson area nonprofits receiving $110,000 in funding this year from Cox Charities. Grant funding comes from donations and fundraising efforts from Cox employees, Cox partners and Cox customers themselves.”
“Local non-profits, devoted to supporting youth and education, are the lifeblood of our community and Cox is proud to support them,” said Lisa Lovallo, Southern Arizona Market vice president for Cox Communications.
The TSO has invited Kelly Corcoran, the current Nashville Symphony conductor, to guest conduct the concert.
Corcoran is also artistic director and conductor of Intersection, an exciting new contemporary music ensemble, a regular conductor for “The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddess-Master Quest” and serves as a member of the advisory council for Nashville’s Music Makes Us initiative. She also guest conducts with many other orchestras.
“I love the Pixar movies — they’re so great,” Corcoran said. “And to be able to perform with the [Tucson Symphony Orchestra] will be a great experience.”
The Pixar in Concert program came about to recognize the 13 scores written by just four composers: Randy Newman, Michael Giacchino, Thomas Newman and Patrick Doyle.
“We’re using this as an opportunity to celebrate the music of the composers,” Heely said. “’Pixar in Concert’ is a fun way to bring this music to families.”
Heely and Corcoran both strongly encourage anyone and everyone — especially parents and their kids— to experience this performance.
“With a concert like this, kids and younger audiences come in with pure ears and will be open to anything they hear,” Corcoran said. “It’s fun to interact with the kids during the performance.”
This will be the TSO’s first time showcasing “Pixar in Concert,” so it is sure to be unlike any other concert TSO regulars have experienced before.
“It’s a fresh listening experience,” Corcoran said. “It is a way people of all ages to connect with classical music.”
Tickets range from $30-86. Tickets for anyone under 18 are 50 precent off. They are available online at TSO’s website, box office at 2175 N. Sixth Ave. or by phone at 520-882-8585. TSO box office hours are Tuesday through Saturday from10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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