‘Grand Canyon Suite’ an HD Experience in Vero Beach

Space Coast Symphony adds Nat Geo HD footage to concert performance

(Vero Beach, FL) September 12, 2016 – Maestro Aaron T. Collins leads the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra in a multi-media concert event inspired by the grandeur of America’s natural wonder. Grand Canyon Suite: Seeing is Believing will be performed at 3:00 PM on Sunday, September 25 at the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center, 1707 16th Street, 32960. Ferde Grofé composed music to paint five scenes typical of the Grand Canyon: “Sunrise,” “Painted Desert,” “On the Trail,” “Sunset” and “Cloudburst.”  Accompanying his memorable Grand Canyon Suite is breathtaking HD footage of the Grand Canyon by National Geographic. A similar pairing in 1959 won the Walt Disney Grand Canyon film an Academy Award for Best Short Subject.  Grofé is also responsible for the orchestral arrangement of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, which will be performed on the program by local pianist, Brian Gatchell.  Mr. Gatchell’s recording of the original version (with jazz band) was one of the first released since Gershwin himself recorded it in the late 1920’s.  Rounding out the concert offerings is Raise the Roof, a one-movement concerto for timpani and orchestra by three-time Grammy winner, composer Michael Daugherty.  The exciting work was inspired by grand architectural wonders and is performed by standout timpanist, Brian Radock.  $20 advance tickets are available through the orchestra website at www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org or at Marine Bank & Trust (beachside and mainland branches). The concert is free for those aged 18 and under or with a student ID. Tickets at the door are $25.  Call toll free to 855-252-7276 for more information.

Space Coast Symphony Orchestra Conductor and Artistic Director Aaron T. Collins is the recipient of the Richard A. Stark Award for cultural leadership from the Cultural Council of Indian River County.  For Collins, Grand Canyon Suite: Seeing is Believing is a perfect blend for the senses.

“Our goal is always to keep the focus on the music,” said Collins.  “But, the Grand Canyon Suite is the perfect work to pair with HD footage from National Geographic. It’s going to create a really amazing experience for concertgoers. And with Brian Gatchell on piano and timpanist Brian Radock, we have a program you don’t want to miss.”

For more information about the Space Coast Symphony 2016-17 season or the Symphony for Everyone discount ticket program, please visit www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org or call toll-free (855) 252-7276.

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ABOUT PIANIST BRIAN GATCHELL — Brian Gatchell holds a Master’s degree in Piano Performance and was a concert artist touring the U.S. for many years, performing as soloist, duo pianist and concerti with orchestras.  His recording of the original version (with jazz band) of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue was one of the first released since Gershwin himself recorded it in the late 1920’s.  He was also Professor of Piano at Heidelberg University in Ohio.  He started Atlantic Music Center in 1990, a store specializing in pianos and stringed instruments.  Additionally, Atlantic Music Center features a large rebuilding shop.  He is the founder / CEO of a national piano competition, American Jazz Pianist Competition. In addition, he is a frequent clinician at numerous Piano Technician Guild conventions and piano workshops on many aspects of piano technology.

ABOUT BRIAN RADOCK –Brian Radock is a professional percussionist with a Masters Degree in Music Performance who has been playing percussion for over 20 years. Originally from Orlando, Brian lived in NYC the past 4 years and played with over 50 bands of various genres, over 40 Broadway Musicals on drums and/or percussion, 5 orchestras as principal percussion/timpani in Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Radio City, and toured Italy 3 times with a trio playing 110+ shows. His latest tour of Italy was from April-June 2016 playing over 30 shows. Brian was also a featured drummer for the O Music Awards on MTV and VH1 in 2012 and composed all the drums/percussion parts for the Off-Broadway Musical, “Real Men” in 2015.

Brian moved back to Orlando in early 2016 and will be the featured soloist on timpani playing Raise The Roof by Michael Daugherty in late-September with the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra. He also won the DCI and PASIC Timpani Individuals Competitions with a self-composed solo called “Classical Rock” in 2006 & 2008 as a member of the Boston Crusaders. Brian has played with the Candlelight Orchestra at Disney for multiple years.

During his youth, Brian trained at the Interlochen Arts Camp for 11 years, won several national percussion competitions, was principal percussion for the Honor Band of America 3 years in a row, and had a solo marimba/percussion tour in Japan in 2005 with Jeb and Columba Bush, which included a solo marimba performance at the 2005 World Expo.

Brian’s father, Bob Radock, was a Manager of Entertainment at Disney World for 30 years and on the NARAS board (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences) for 20 years. He trained Brian in music business and administration as well as entertainment business tactics, while his mother & step-father, Beth and Danny Gottlieb, have been professional percussionists for 30 years with some of the biggest names in music and trained him in performing and touring with any genre.

ABOUT THE SPACE COAST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA— The SCSO is a lively and passionate Central Florida orchestra comprised of professional musicians, music educators and mentored amateurs of exceptional ability.  The Orchestra was formed by Conductor and Artistic Director Aaron T. Collins with a two-fold mission: to provide mentoring and performance opportunities for Florida’s finest young musicians as well as to provide professional concerts at genuinely affordable prices.  The ultimate goal of the organization is to help ensure the symphonic tradition for the enjoyment of future generations.

33-year old Aaron T. Collins is garnering recognition for his achievements.  LEAD Brevard named the ambitious Collins one of their “4 under 40” Young Professionals, the youngest-ever recipient of the honor. Space Coast Business magazine listed him as one of Brevard’s “100 Most Admired Businesspeople.” In 2016, Collins won the Richard A. Stark Award for cultural leadership from the Cultural Council of Indian River County.  Through his personal involvement with more than a dozen performing arts groups, pioneering reciprocal ad program and social media cross promotions, Collins has gained a reputation for generosity; championing other arts organizations throughout Central Florida for the cultural enrichment of the community.

The Space Coast Symphony Orchestra performs in several very comfortable venues in Brevard and Indian River counties, with advance general admission tickets priced at just $20.  School-aged children 18 years and under are admitted free of charge, as are college students with a valid ID.  In keeping with their mission, the symphony provides a unique Symphony for Everyone ticketing program, a “pay-what-you-can” option designed to provide substantially discounted admission to any Space Coast Symphony concert.

Relying on a non-traditional orchestra model and a slim budget, the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra is one of only 19 U.S. orchestras to perform year-round. In addition to maintaining the Space Coast Symphony JAZZ Orchestra and Space Coast Symphony Wind Orchestra, the non-profit organization provides numerous separate and free ensemble performances. More information about the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming concerts, ticket sales, venues, directions and sponsorship opportunities is available at www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org by calling toll free (855) 252-7276.