Competition Winner is Humboldt Symphony Soloist 

 The Humboldt Symphony performs a rarely heard concertino with student trombonist and concerto competition winner Craig Hull as soloist, on Friday February 27 at Fulkerson Recital Hall.

 “Craig does a great job,” said Humboldt Symphony conductor Paul Cummings. “He’s one of the best trombonists we’ve ever had here.” 

 First performed in 1837, the Concertino for Trombone and Orchestra by German composer Ferdinand David became his most popular and most enduring composition. This concertino (or “little concerto”) is rarely played now, Cummings said, partly because works written expressly for trombone and orchestra are themselves very rare.

 “Trombonists are used to playing transcriptions from other instruments but this is an original piece by a good composer. It has the typical concerto layout of a dialogue between the orchestra and the solo instrument,” Cumming said. 

 David was only 25 when he composed it. He was a contemporary and friend of Felix Mendelssohn—they were born one year apart, in the same house. Mendelssohn had agreed to write a trombone concerto for a famous instrumentalist of the time but eventually suggested that David write it instead. Mendelssohn conducted its premiere performance. The Concertino became so associated with David that part of it was played at his funeral—ironically, transcribed for violin and orchestra. 

 The program also features Symphony No. 8 by late 19th century Czech composer Antonin Dvorak. It has been called warm, light and playful, especially in contrast to the Dvorak symphonies that immediately precede and follow it. Musicologist Peter Laki writes, “The music is always cheerful and optimistic, yet it doesn’t lack grandeur.” On this evening the Humboldt Symphony plays the first two movements, and will perform the entire symphony in May. 

 Humboldt Symphony performs on Friday February 27 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall at HSU. Tickets are $8 general, $5 seniors, students and children, and free to HSU students, from the HSU Box Office (826-3928) or at the door. Conducted by Paul Cummings, produced by HSU Music Department.