I was planning on attending the two orchestral concerts at UCLA's Royce Hall on the 24th & 31st of July.

The concert on the 24th is the Opening Orchestra Concert featuring Doc Severinsen, Charles Fox and Lee Holdridge.

The one on the 31st is the Tribute To American Film Music featuring David Newman, Mark Isham and Charles Fox.

If anyone is interested in meeting up before or after, let me know.

For more information and a full concert schedule, go to: http://www.manciniinstitute.com/

This was the program for the night:

STRINGS ON FIRE by Henry Mancini, conducted by Patrick Williams

SCENES OF SUMMER by Lee Holdridge, conducted by the composer

MIRACLE CHILD by Vince Mendoza, conducted by the composer

INTERMISSION

SIX GUN OVERTURE by Michael Barry (a young composer who was a 2004 HMI participant), conducted by Karla Lemon

ADAGIO FOR ORCHESTRA by Patrick Williams, conducted by the composer (the performance was dedicated to two friends he lost this week, one of whom was Jerry Goldsmith)

SUITE FROM THE BALLET ZORRO by Charles Fox, conducted by the composer

Then Doc Severinsen joined the orchestra to play and conduct some big band music. He was joined by the Swing Set on vocals (Don Shelton, Lynn Roberts, Amick Byram and Ian Freebairn-Smith).

ALL OR NOTHING AT ALL by Arthur Altman & Jack Lawrence, arranged and conducted by Patrick Williams

IN APPLE BLOSSOM TIME and DON'T SIT UNDER THE APPLE TREE (this wasn't listed on the program)

DREAM by Johnny Mercer, arranged by John Bambridge

SWING SWING SWING by Louis Prima, arranged by John Bambridge and conducted by Patrick Williams

So you know more about the orchestra, this is from the Henry Mancini Institute website:

Mentoring the professional advancement of instrumentalists and composers. 84 emerging professional musicians are selected from a worldwide audition process to receive full scholarships (including tuition, room and board) to study and perform with some of today’s musical masters during a four-week training program on the campus of UCLA. Participants attend master classes, rehearsals, mentoring sessions and panel discussions to prepare them for a successful life in music.

Now this orchestra has only been together for about a week and they did a great job. Especially when you consider the amount of music being thrown their way and the diverse types of music they are performing.

The evening provided a wonderful opportunity to hear some beautiful music. Most of you probably don't realize what brilliant composers Patrick Williams, Charles Fox and Vince Mendoza are. I know Lee Holdridge gets some attention, but not nearly enough.

ALL of the works by these gentlemen were wonderful and go to show the great classical and dramatic range they have in their music.

I was fortunate enough to speak with Charles Fox's son, Robert and he was so excited about his father's "Zorro" suite. It was a revelation. While I've always thought highly of Charles Fox's work, he rarely was given a chances to write a big, serious orchetral piece, like the music featured in his ballet for "Zorro."

Patrick Williams, who also is more known for his jazz work, wrote a moving work that was very emotional considering the week we've had.

Lee Holdridge told me his "Scenes of Summer" was written 30 years ago and it goes to show what a talent he's ALWAYS been. He was a very kind and gracious gentleman and I didn't want to keep him, but wished I could have spent more time asking him about his work.

For those of you who don't know Vince Mendoza, you should seek him out immediately. He has worked on Joni Mitchell's last two albums, orchestrating and conducting, as well as with Bjork on her recent works, including "Dancer in the Dark." His jazzy, orchestral piece "Miracle Child" reminded me of his wonderful work with those artists and made me want to see out his works on Blue Note. He's someone I'd love to see scoring films as he has a great dramatic touch.

The Doc Severinson section was a lot of fun and ended the evening on a very upbeat and exciting note. The drum soloist was fantastic on "Swing Swing Swing" and the audience ate it up!

The evening also included a sweet surprise as Patrick Williams led the orchestra in a rendition of "Happy Birthday" for Ginny Mancini. It was very touching and a nice tribute to her for all her wonderful work in chairing this institute in her husband's name. The institute is providing a fantastic forum for future musicians and composers. I strongly encourage you to find out more about this program and if you're in the L.A. area, attend their free concerts.
www.manciniinstitute.com

James