Buffalo Philharmonic World-Premieres Triple Trombone Concerto

A highlight of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra's 2012-2013 M&T Bank Classics Season is the world premiere of Eric Ewazen's Triple Trombone Concerto, written for and performed by BPO trombonists Jonathan Lombardo, Timothy Smith and Jeffrey Dee. The concerto will be presented on 16, 17 and 18 November.

 

Lombardo is the BPO's principal trombonist, a position he has held since 2004. In addition to his duties with the BPO, he teaches privately and serves on the faculty at the University at Buffalo. He is a 2003 graduate of The Juilliard School.

Smith has been the BPO's second trombonist since 2009. He maintains a private studio in Buffalo, and is a graduate of Northwestern University and Ithaca College. Prior to joining the BPO, he performed with the San Diego Symphony and the Jacksonville Symphony.

Dee is the BPO's bass trombonist. He also serves on the faculty at the State University of New York College at Fredonia. For Dee, this performance will mark the renewal of an old collaboration with Ewazen. Dee met Ewazen while at Juilliard, and performed several of his solo works while at school. Ewazen also accompanied Dee on the piano at one of Dee's recitals.

The Triple Trombone Concerto was commissioned by the BPO to celebrate the musical synergy enjoyed by Lombardo, Smith and Dee. Since the section formed two years ago, both audiences and BPO management have noted the musicians' tremendous natural musical chemistry, a bond that extends to an offstage friendship as the three settle into their new home city. As all three trombonists have a commitment to educating the next generation of musicians, it is fitting that they will also offer a trombone master class to area students on Saturday 17 November.

"The Buffalo Philharmonic is very lucky to have one of the most dynamic and musical trombone sections in the country, and Eric Ewazen's new concerto is an extraordinary recognition of their brilliance, and an overwhelming gift to our orchestra," said BPO music director JoAnn Falletta. "Eric is a superb composer whose works are beloved all over the world, and his special talent for writing for trombone is legendary. This concerto will be part of the legacy of Jon, Tim and Jeff and their tenure in the Philharmonic. We know it will be played by trombonists everywhere, and we are especially proud that it was born in Buffalo."

The concerto is a rare opportunity to highlight each trombone voice – the alto, tenor and bass. It will be a valuable and dramatic addition to the very slim repertoire of triple trombone concerti.

Well-known American composer Eric Ewazen was selected for this commission not only because of his stature, but because of his history with the BPO. In 2010, the world premiere of his percussion concerto, Songs to the Banks of Ayr, performed by Evelyn Glennie, thrilled BPO audiences, and garnered international critical acclaim. Ewazen is on the faculty of The Juillard School and has written works commissioned by Michigan State University, the Borealis Wind Quartet, and the Heritage of America Band at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.

Music director JoAnn Falletta will conduct the concert, which will be presented at 10:30 am on Friday 16 November, at 8:00 pm on Saturday 17 November, and at 2:30 pm on Sunday 18 November. All performances take place at Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo. To purchase tickets, visit www.bpo.org or call +1 716 885-5000.

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