In 1931, American composer Verde Grofe wrote The Grand Canyon Suite as a five-movement jazz-infused poem performed by a small orchestra of about 20 musicians.
But when you’re talking about a subject the size of the Grand Canyon, which is 1 mile deep, 277 miles long and 18 miles wide, a small orchestra only scratches the surface.
This explains why Grofe, an innovator in jazz arrangements of elements and techniques borrowed from European classical music, re-orchestrated the “Grand Canyon Suite” for a large orchestra. This work is Grofe’s most popular and most successful work.
On Saturday, February 4th, the “Grand Canyon Suite” will lock in 75 members. Tucson Civic OrchestraBenefit Concert at Christ Church United Methodist, 655 N. Cracroft Road. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Volunteer Orchestra’s 38th Annual Young Artists Competition.
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The orchestra was the first in Tucson to host a competition for young musicians in grades 3-12. Most competitions were aimed at college students.
The winners of the brass band, percussion, piano, harp, and strings divisions will receive cash prizes and the chance to perform with a public orchestra.
Held at Pima Community College on January 22nd, winners of the 2023 competition will attend Saturday’s concert, including an auction for Tucson artist J.Enida SheldonGrand Canyon pastels.
Past Young Artist Winners Include Percussionist Trevor Barroello, currently Principal Percussionist of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra.and cellist Levi PowI am a sophomore majoring in cello at the Fred Fox School of Music at the University of Arizona.
Besides playing the first three movements of the Grand Canyon Suite, the orchestra Music Director Kung Ohalso plays Sibelius’s “Finlandia”.
Tickets for Saturday concerts from 3pm are $20 for adults and $10 for students 18 and under. cotmusic.org Or at the door. This is the only concert where the civic orchestra pays for admission. All other events are free.
While the Grand Canyon is known as a summer destination, the national park is also a popular winter destination, where small groups can snap snowy snapshots.
Contact reporter Catalena E. Birch cburch@tucson.comTwitter @Starburch
