San Diego symphony taps cultural well of surf music

Music Updates

Orchestra Nova Launches New ‘Surf’-Inspired Work

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 11 May, 2012 : - - When you think of surf music, musicians like Dick Dale, The Surfaris, The Ventures and The Beach Boys may come to mind, along with the genre's signature staccato electric guitar riffs, and classic tunes like "Wipeout" and "Surfin' Safari." However, a new composition premiering this Friday at San Diego's Orchestra Nova may expand your notions about surf music. The work combines elements of classical, rock, pop and electronica to re-create the experience and freedom of riding the waves.

The work is called "Surf" and it's part of Orchestra Nova's new concert series, a musical homage to Mother Nature called "Nova Goes Green". The series pairs two classics, Beethoven’s “Pastoral Symphony” and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “The Lark Ascending,” with two contemporary works. In addition to "Surf", audiences can enjoy Steve Heitzeg's “Aqua”, a tribute to Jacques-Yves Cousteau featuring natural percussion instruments including driftwood, coral, river stones and even plastic six-pack rings.

"Surf" composer and SDSU professor of music Joseph Waters was commissioned by Orchestra Nova to create a piece about Southern California. Inspired by the central role that surfing plays in the Southern Californian lifestyle, he composed a double concerto, which he describes as his "wild ride for orchestra and two soloists", in a recent interview with U-T San Diego. "Surf" features soloists Lindsay Deutsch (violin) and Todd Rewoldt (saxophone), who will perform with Orchestra Nova this Friday, Saturday and Monday.

Read the full article at KPBS

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Music: Surfersvillage