Pasadena Symphony Kicks Off 2012 with Elgar and Mendelssohn

Seminal Los Angeles cellist Andrew Shulman performs Elgar's Cello Concerto with conductor David Lockington and the Pasadena Symphony on Saturday, January 14 at 2 and 8 pm at the Ambassador Auditorium. In demand with North America's most respected orchestras, Lockington leads the symphony in Philip Sawyer's 2008 celebratory work The Gale of Life and Mendelssohn's musical postcard from the highlands, the joyous "Scottish" Symphony, a winning combination to welcome the New Year.

Andrew Shulman, hailed as "full of light and musical eloquence" by The Washington Post, is one of southern California's most active and sought after musicians. He currently holds the post of Principal Cello in both the Pasadena Symphony and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. Some of Schulman's film credits include Pirates of the Caribbean, Angels and Demons, Water for Elephants, A Single Man and Confessions of a Shopaholic.

Elgar's concerto is considered one of the 20th century's most notable solo works for the instrument. Written in response to the first World War, great cellists ranging from Jacqueline du Pré to Pablo Casals and Yo-Yo Ma have recorded and performed the impassioned masterpiece to great acclaim.

"Elgar's work is the quintessential British cello concerto," recalled Shulman. "It was made very famous by Jacqueline Du Pré, and I was fortunate enough to have lessons with her when I was a student. She was a great inspiration, and the wonderful piece has been in my repertoire ever since."

"This program is inspired by the British Isles and expresses the universals that connect people throughout history," explained Lockington, "I am thrilled to be coming to Pasadena and working with the symphony on these unique selections - conducting a recent composition by my friend Philip Sawyers, and working with a childhood colleague Andrew Shulman. Andrew and I met in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain when we were teenagers. I am looking forward to a beautiful musical reunion!"

The 2011-12 classics series marks the Pasadena Symphony's second season as the resident professional orchestra of the historic Ambassador Auditorium. Tickets to the performance on Saturday, January 14 at 2:00pm and 8:00pm begin at $35 and may be purchased at www.PasadenaSymphony-Pops.org, or 626.793.7172 or onsite day of concert.