Richard Lee will conduct the East Texas Symphony Orchestra during its concert Saturday, Nov. 11, at The Cowan Center at The University of Texas at Tyler. (Courtesy)

 

East Texas Symphony Orchestra will salute veterans at its concert Nov. 11 in the University of Texas at Tyler’s Cowan Center.

The program will include John Williams’ “Hymn to the Fallen,” Elgar’s cello concert featuring ETSO principal cellist Zachary Mansell and John Phillip Sousa’s “Liberty Bell March.” The concert will conclude with Tchaikovsky’s rousing “1812 Overture.”

Retired Maj. Gen. Anthony Cucolo, the vice chancellor for the University of Texas System, will serve as the guest narrator. Veterans and service members are encouraged to wear their uniform.

The concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at etso.org and the venue’s box office.

“It was important to me to program festive and patriotic music as well as more contemplative selections, lest we forget how awful war is,” Richard Lee, ETSO conductor and music director, said. “Hopefully I’ve struck an appropriate balance in this regard.”

 During the performance of John Williams’ “Hymn to the Fallen” from the movie “Saving Private Ryan,” the John Tyler High School Junior ROTC will present flags of the branches of service.

For the “1812 Overture,” ETSO will be joined on stage by the East Texas Youth Orchestra.

“This side-by-side performance offers a rare opportunity for these students to work alongside professional musicians,” Lee said. “They get a first-hand experience of how ETSO musicians use the rehearsal process to prepare for a performance and handle the pressures of the concert itself. It also is beneficial for the students to see how the approach of a different conductor influences the performance.”

Lee said the orchestra also is proud to share the stage with Cucolo.

“Mr. Cucolo’s primary role will be introducing the music,” Lee said. “We were honored to engage a veteran, especially with his record of military service, to serve as host for the concert.”

Cucolo has been the associate vice Chancellor for Leadership Development and Veterans Affairs at The University of Texas System since 2015. He develops leadership programs for students, organization leaders and administrators and coordinates veterans’ affairs and support services.

He served in the Army for 35 years, including as leader of the U.S. Army War College, which prepares security professionals for leadership in the government and military. 

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