Eroica Inspirations: A Journey from Beethoven to Torke.

​Themes and variations are a part of our lives as well as music. Beethoven's monumental 3rd symphony, the "Eroica", broke new ground in music creating a powerful voice for the future of music as we demonstrate in this concert. We open with Michael Torke's "Bright Blue Music," a vibrant and rhythmic piece that sets an energetic tone for the evening highlighting Torke's unique blend of classical and contemporary influences. Following this, Rachmaninov's "Variations on a Theme by Paganini" showcases a solo pianist's virtuosic skill, exploring a range of emotions from the hauntingly beautiful to the dazzlingly complex. The evening culminates in Beethoven's Symphony No. 3, "Eroica," a monumental work that captivated the audience with its powerful themes of heroism and struggle, leaving a profound and lasting impression.

• Maurice Ravel (1875-1937), Five Pieces from Mother Goose Suite
• Samuel Barber (1910-1981), First Essay for Orchestra
• Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943), Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27

Musical Program

Kevin Puts | Quintet for Piano and Strings, “The Red Snapper Quintet”
Franz Schubert | Piano Quintet in A major, D. 667, “Trout”

Curated by Crier Francesca McNeeley

Schubert’s “Trout” Quintet, with its depictions of darting fish and bubbling brooks, continues to be a beloved treasure of the classical music repertoire. The work has inspired generations of composers, including Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Kevin Puts, whose Red Snapper Quintet serves as a contemporary companion to Schubert’s iconic quintet.

THIS SHOW RESCHEDULED FROM MARCH 1 TO SAT MAY 17, 2025.
ALL TICKETS WILL AUTOMATICALLY TRANSFER TO THE SAME TABLE AT THE NEW DATE.

Mike Girard is the lead singer of THE FOOLS.
Mike Girard’s Big Swinging Thing!  is a big band, pop/rock extravaganza.

If you haven't seen this show, take my word for it - you will not regret it.
It's become our favorite show of the year here at The Bull.This is not your typical Big Band. It’s Rock & Roll with backup singers, dancers and a large horn sectiion.
Expect to hear diverse covers by The Stones, AC/DC, The Animals, the Doobie Brothers, Billy Idol, Roy Orbison & Tom Jones… plus some great Fools classics!

“… one of the most outstanding young organists on the scene today. His unassuming manner and his sure and relaxed technique hide a fiery yet totally musical approach to organ playing.” The Diapason

Regarded as one of North America’s finest concert organists and praised for his dazzling artistry, impeccable technique, and imaginative programming by audiences and critics alike, Ken Cowan maintains a rigorous performing schedule that takes him to major concert venues in America, Canada, Europe, and Asia.  

Recent feature performances have included appearances at Verizon Hall in Philadelphia with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Berlin Philharmonie, Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, Vienna Konzerthaus, Maison Symphonique in Montreal, St. Paul’s Cathedral in London and Walt Disney Concert Hall.  In addition, Mr. Cowan has been a featured artist in recent years at national conventions of the American Guild of Organists in Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Houston.  He has performed at many regional conventions of the AGO and has been featured at several conventions of the Organ Historical Society and the Royal Canadian College of Organists.

This music will make you want to dance! Virtuosity will be on display in this concert inspired by a wide spectrum of dance styles. Warren Benson's beautiful band classic Solitary Dancer contrasts nicely with Florence Price's rhythmic Juba Dance. The jazz-influenced Jubilo was written by Wynton Marsalis for the New York City Ballet in 1993. Scott McAllister's Krump emulates the energy and passion of the dance style that evolved in the early 2000's among teens in Los Angeles neighborhoods such as Compton, South Central and Watts. The afternoon concludes with an authentic transcription of Massenet's beloved ballet suite Le Cid, with its dances from different regions of Spain.