Composer Frank Ticheli
On February 20, 2022 we will be returning to the stage of Pick-Staiger Concert Hall. “Coming Home” is a program of works selected to celebrate our reunion and the band’s legacy. The concert begins with Frank Ticheli’s Nitro, an energy-charged fanfare commissioned by the Northshore Concert Band in celebration of the band’s 50th season in 2006. In 2018 we contacted Mr. Ticheli and asked him to share with us his musical influences and inspirations and words of advice that he has for young musicians. Below is a reprint of this interview.
What have been some of your musical influences?
My earliest influences were New Orleans traditional jazz and Cajun folk music. I grew up near New Orleans. From there my influences broadened significantly as I developed as a musician. My greatest influences were composers and conductors: Bill Bolcom, Leslie Bassett, Bob Reynolds, Carl St. Clair.
Which composer/musician – past or present – would you most like to meet for a coffee and why?
I’d like to sit down with Richard Wagner, to try to convince him as lovingly as possible to see the wrong-headedness of his views about people based on their ethnicity.
What inspires you?
Love.
What do you do to relax?
Run, hike, bicycle. I like to move. Sitting does not relax me because I already sit too much in life and work.
Do you have any advice for young musicians?
Keep reminding yourself that all the hard work is still supposed to be fun.
Frank Ticheli's music has been described as being "optimistic and thoughtful" (Los Angeles Times), "lean and muscular" (New York Times), "brilliantly effective" (Miami Herald) and "powerful, deeply felt crafted with impressive flair and an ear for striking instrumental colors" (South Florida Sun-Sentinel). Born in 1958, Ticheli joined the faculty of the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music in 1991, where he is Professor of Composition. From 1991 to 1998, Ticheli was Composer in Residence of the Pacific Symphony.
Ticheli is well known for his works for concert band, many of which have become standards in the repertoire. In addition to composing, he has appeared as guest conductor of his music at Carnegie Hall, at many American universities and music festivals, and in cities throughout the world, including Schladming (Austria), Beijing and Shanghai, London and Manchester, Singapore, Rome, Sydney, and numerous cities in Japan.
Frank Ticheli is the recipient of a 2012 "Arts and Letters Award" from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, his third award from that prestigious organization. His Symphony No. 2 was named winner of the 2006 NBA/William D. Revelli Memorial Band Composition Contest. Other awards include the Walter Beeler Memorial Prize and First Prize awards in the Texas Sesquicentennial Orchestral Composition Competition, Britten-on-the-Bay Choral Composition Contest, and Virginia CBDNA Symposium for New Band Music.
Ticheli was awarded national honorary membership to Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, "bestowed to individuals who have significantly contributed to the cause of music in America," and the A. Austin Harding Award by the American School Band Directors Association, "given to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the school band movement in America." At USC, he has received the Virginia Ramo Award for excellence in teaching, and the Dean's Award for Professional Achievement.
Frank Ticheli received his doctoral and masters degrees in composition from The University of Michigan. His works are published by Manhattan Beach, Southern, Hinshaw, and Encore Music, and are recorded on the labels of Albany, Chandos, Clarion, Equilibrium, Klavier, Koch International, Mark, Naxos, and Reference.
A special thank you to Mr. Ticheli for generously speaking with us and for giving permission to reproduce this material. For further information about Frank Ticheli and his music, please visit the composer’s website at www.FrankTicheli.com.
Please join us on Sunday, February 20, 2022 at 3:00 pm at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, Northwestern University; 50 Arts Circle Drive in Evanston, Illinois for Coming Home, conducted by Artistic Director Mallory Thompson.
Ticket Information: Tickets are $25 each, seniors $20, students/children $10. All seats are general admission.
Tickets are available online through our website.