A Night In The Tropics
with Charles Lazarus and the Minnesota OrchestraSat Jun 3, 2023
Orchestra Hall
The Minnesota Orchestra’s Charles Lazarus brings music inspired by the sultry melodies and evocative rhythms of Brazil, Cuba, Hawaii and more. Hear originals, music from the Buena Vista Social Club and a tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim.
A Few Things to Know
- The debut (and self-titled) record from Buena Vista Social Club, whose music will be featured on this performance, holds the title for biggest-selling Cuban album of all time, selling 8 million copies worldwide.
- In 2021 and 2022, Lazarus joined community members and musicians in performances to support Circle Rock Concerts for Community, a series of community concerts benefitting mental health awareness, and serves as the organization's music director.
- Charles Lazarus has five albums under his belt as a solo artist and has contributed as a trumpet player and producer on countless others and collaborates with some of the most well-known musicians in the Twin Cities and across the country.
Artists
The Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra, now in its second century, ranks among America’s top symphonic ensembles, with a distinguished history of acclaimed performances in its home state and around the world; award-winning recordings, broadcasts and educational engagement programs; and a commitment to intentionally build concert programs to feature more works by composers of color, exploring music both contemporary and historic. This past fall, Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård began his tenure as music director.
Trumpeter Charles Lazarus, a member of the Minnesota Orchestra since 2000, has charted a unique course during his tenure with the Orchestra. As a soloist, composer and bandleader, Lazarus has created and starred in four original orchestral shows featuring his jazz ensemble: “A Night in the Tropics,” “American Riffs,” “Fly Me to the Moon” and "Our Love is Here to Stay," a collaboration with The Steeles and Prince's former keyboardist Tommy Barbarella. "Merry & Bright,” his concert of fresh takes on holiday favorites, is the newest addition to the Orchestra's annual holiday fare.
In 2015, Lazarus premiered Steve Heitzeg's concerto American Nomad, commissioned by Paul Grangaard. Lazarus and the Orchestra recently reprised this work, and a live video recording of the performance was released online in 2019. His composition A Perfect Square, paired with Michael Hall's book of the same name, was recently made into a children's animated short film.
Best known for his extensive work with Prince in the 1990s, Tommy Barbarella has a reputation for excellence and versatility extended over the following two decades by touring, recording and performing with the likes of Art Garfunkel, Mavis Staples, Jonny Lang, Nick Jonas, Italian superstar Giorgia and Minneapolis supergroup Greazy Meal. He has contributed his talents to Hollywood features by iconic directors like Spike Lee, Robert Altman and Marc Forester, as well as composing award-winning commercial tracks for Nike, Budweiser, Audi and hundreds of other organizations.
Jeff Bailey has performed in a wide variety of musical settings as a musician, composer, sound designer, producer and educator. He has performed with world renowned artists including Craig Taborn, Joey Arias, The Steeles, James Carter, Joey McIntyre (New Kids on the Block), Eric Gravatt, Charles Lazarus, Rodney Jones, Doc Severinsen, the Minnesota Orchestra, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Wessel Anderson, Pia Toscano, Jonatha Brooke, Geoff Keezer, Andres Prado, Chastity Brown, “Doc” Martin, Fareed Haque, Justin Robinson, Charley Drayton and James Moody.
David Schmalenberger recently performed on drumset/percussion with the Laura Caviani Trio, the Bill Simenson Jazz Orchestra, Pat Frederick and Low Company, the Steeles, Karrin Allyson, Marilyn Maye, Take That Back!, Cantus, Rebel Fiddle, DAT Trio and and the Jazz Explosion Big Band. He also recently recorded with vocalist Connie Evingson (Sweet Happy Life), guitarist David Singley (Good Hope), trumpeter Chuck Lazarus (Lovejoy and Merrier & Brighter), the Laura Caviani Trio with Chris Bates (Mysterious Thelonius and Confluence), Vicky Mountain and David Martin (Play On), Jerry Kosak (New Possibilities) and the Bill Simenson Jazz Orchestra (Big Alpaca).
Plan your visit
- Pre-concert activities
- Valet Parking
- Pre-order Beverages
- Directions & Parking
- Helpful Tips
Know Before You Go
An engaging performance awaits, and the fun doesn’t stop there. Make this visit your own with food and activity options. Browse these helpful tips, and when your concert date arrives, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy.
Directions & Parking
All the information you need to know for getting to and from Orchestra Hall. Parking is just steps away from Orchestra Hall in the city-owned and skyway-connected 11th and Marquette Ramp.
Pre-order beverages
Skip the lines at the bar! Pre-order your intermission beverage via the MN Orch App when you arrive at Orchestra Hall.
Accessibility Services
- Armless & Bariatric Chairs
- Assistive Listening Devices
- Large-Print Programs
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones
- Service Animals
- Wheelchair & Accessible Seating
Additional services are available upon request.