Beethoven’s Eight & Simon’s Trombone Concerto

Beethoven’s Eighth Symphony is one of his most jovial works, and contains some of the composer’s cleverest musical humor as well as bouncy dance rhythms with unexpected accents. Principal Trombone Kenneth Thompkins performs the world premiere of a concerto written for him by Carlos Simon, based on Underground Railroad conductor William Still’s account of the hardships and struggles of the enslaved seeking freedom at any cost. The program opens with Brahms’ imaginative variations on a majestic theme.