Mark Petering
All Stories

The nation’s top army orchestra and Baltimore Symphony tubist Aubrey Foard will premiere Professor Mark Petering’s Concerto for Tuba and Orchestra Feb. 7, 2020, at Brucker Hall at Fort Myer, Virginia, across from Arlington National Cemetery. The evening concert features the world premiere as part of the most prestigious tuba and euphonium annual conference in the country.

The U.S. Army Orchestra is classified as a “premiere ensemble” of the U.S. Military, and attracts the most talented musicians from the finest conservatories in the country. Members of the orchestra routinely play for the U.S. President, heads of state, and kings and queens from around the world. The orchestra is part of the U.S. Army Band (“Pershing’s Own”) and performed for the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

The first movement of the concerto, Lament for Tuba and Orchestra, was premiered by British royal family conductor Christopher Warren-Green, Mr. Foard, and the Charlotte Symphony in May 2018. One week later, Maestro Warren-Green flew to England to conduct the ceremonial music for Prince Harry and Meghan Markles’ wedding.

Specifically, the concerto utilizes a cinematic perspective, beckoning the listener to reflect on tragedy and then revealing two past moments that led to the Lament. In addition, the tuba can be considered to play the role of sage.