RPO Looks to Honor Veterans with New Recording for Posterity
Rochester, NY – This March, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra under Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik is hoping to take its recording success in an important new direction with a project recognizing the service and sacrifice of generations of Armed Forces veterans. The proposed new CD is Honor: An American Salute, honoring veterans and celebrating America’s great heritage through both new and traditional patriotic favorites; three works by Tyzik would be recording debuts. As one of the artistic leaders of an organization recognizing the importance of its role in the community, Jeff Tyzik generously has agreed that his conductor and producer fees would be donated directly to the local Veterans Outreach Center Inc. (VOC) on South Avenue.
“The Veterans Outreach Center is all about veterans helping other veterans,” said Tom Cray, President/CEO of the Veterans Outreach Center. “I know I speak for so many of these men and women when I thank Jeff and the RPO for their generosity in supporting the VOC in its life-changing service to the veterans of this community.”
Honor: An American Salute would be self-produced by the RPO, as it has done successfully with three other recordings, most recently last season’s A Holiday Celebration. Tyzik’s works would include Bravo! Colorado, dedicated to the memory of President Gerald Ford (a World War II Navy veteran), Fantasy on American Themes and Pleasant Valley Suite, commissioned in 2003 by the Genesee Country Village & Museum to commemorate its 25th Anniversary. The recording would be rounded out by the Star-Spangled Banner, Sousa’s uplifting Stars and Stripes Forever and Tyzik’s own arrangement of the Armed Forces Song Medley.
“This recording will have a long-term and enduring impact on its listeners and within the recording industry,” said Tyzik. “With the increased visibility and recognition of our great orchestra through the success of our latest Gershwin CD, I feel strongly that the timing is perfect for such an important recording project.” Tyzik’s involvement in benefit concerts for veterans goes back to the 1980’s and 1990’s, ultimately raising more than $75,000 for the local Veterans Outreach Center Inc.
Holding a March 2008 recording date, the RPO plans to have the CD ready for release by Armed Forces Day on May 17, 2008. According to Tyzik, the budget for this recording is approximately $60,000, with the total financial commitment necessary by January 30, 2008. Donations for this recording project are welcome from individuals, groups, corporations and foundations. To make a donation or for more information, contact Kate Wahl, Manager of Corporate, Foundation and Government Grants, at (585) 454-7311 x231, or kwahl@rpo.org.
For those interested in getting a recording “preview,” the program will be performed by the RPO on its Casual Sunday Matinee Series concert on Sunday, November 11 at 2 p.m. at the Eastman Theatre. Veterans wishing to attend this concert will be given one (1) free ticket, with valid military ID. Tickets may be picked up in advance at the RPO Box Office or on the day of the concert at the Eastman Theatre lobby box office beginning at 12:30 p.m. Additional tickets may be purchased.
General admission tickets are $15; $12 for seniors, students, subscribers and members, available online 24/7 at www.rpo.org, by phone (454-2100) in person from the RPO Box Office, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (non-concert Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.); and seven days a week at area Wegmans. A convenience fee may apply.
Complimentary tickets are not available online or by phone. Not valid on prior purchases, subject to availability.
