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You don’t expect to hear kilt-clad bagpipers at a classical music concert.
But that’s part of the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra program on Oct. 6 and 7.
The concerts feature two powerhouse favorites – Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony and Beethoven’s Emperor Piano Concerto.
In between, J.V. Bevan Olyphant will take the podium wearing his clan’s kilt to guest conduct the orchestra in a rousing rendition of The Flower of Scotland – accompanied by a band of local bagpipers.
The piece is Scotland’s de facto national anthem and celebrates the country’s victory over the English king and his army during the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. That charge was led by Robert the Bruce – who happens to be Olyphant’s ancestor.
Olyphant himself is quite the storied adventurer.
•A University of Arizona graduate.
•A Green Beret who served in Vietnam.
•An former executive in the international division of Del Monte foods
•The longtime vice president of Gallo wines
•A black pearl farmer in the South Pacific
•An instructor in the UA Honors College
•A cattle rancher on the family spread near Sonoita
•The father of three sons, including actor Timothy Olyphant
Olyphant said that his ancestor William Oliphant “was a respected Scot who in 1304 with a garrison of 40 men held off the English Army led by Edward I. William later joined his grandfather the King of Scotland, known as Robert The Bruce, when Edward II invaded Scotland in 1314. King Robert commanded The Scottish Regiments and William was his senior officer. William was also a signer of The Declaration of Arbroath in1320, the most significant statement in all of Scottish History.”
Olyphant is the sixth winner of the annual bid to conduct the orchestra. The winner receives a free conducting lesson from Music Director Linus Lerner. The next opportunity to bid will be at the SASO fundraising gala on be Feb. 9.
For more information, visit www.sasomusic.org or call (520) 308-6226.
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