Sneak peek: OSO’s 'Lift' season premiere concert with pianist Calder Failla 

Olympia Symphony Orchestra (OSO) will open the Kaleidoscope season with “Lift,” a concert spotlighting pianist Calder Failla performing George Gershwin’s iconic “Rhapsody in Blue,” one of my all-time favorites!  

“Lift” will take place at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 3 p.m. It’s not too late to get your ticket. Hurry and get yours before the show sells out! Learn more on the JOLT events calendar.  

Recently, I explored the fascinating history of “Rhapsody in Blue,” but what brings me even more joy and gratitude is having the opportunity to speak with Failla, a lovely person, and to get to know him, his passion for music, and his personal excitement for this upcoming concert. 

Enjoy our conversation! 

A conversation with Calder Failla 

Benton: I’d love to learn a little bit more about you, especially where your pursuit of music began.  

Failla: “I grew up in both Gig Harbor and Tacoma, Washington, and now I’m in New York in the Manhattan School of Music. 

“In terms of piano and music in my life, that came early. My brother and I took piano lessons growing up, and I was the last one to stick with it. I would read way ahead from what I was assigned and was always intrigued and wanted to keep learning. It was just so fascinating to me! 

“A lot of people don’t know this, but I was also a ballet dancer, which enhanced my love of music as we danced to Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker,” “Swan Lake” and “Sleeping Beauty,” which inspired me. At age 10 or 11, I got serious about piano (and the rest is history).”  

Benton: What is the kind of music that you personally gravitate toward?  

Failla: “Wow, I love that question! Of course, I love the standards, but I am really drawn towards Spanish and African music, especially late 20th century Spanish composers, such as De Falla, Albéniz, and Granados. They have all written these beautiful piano works, sonatas, and character pieces with Spanish rhythms that are just so special.” 

Benton: Tell me what makes you excited about this concert and collaboration with the Olympia Symphony Orchestra.  

Failla: “When I got this call, I was so excited! I had never played this piece prior, and so going through and reading the score, it is so interesting to see the way Gershwin takes us on this seamless journey. It is really a monumental work!

“The 1920’s jazz with the traditional, classical, romantic style of writing is so cool and fun! Then, working with an orchestra that I am so familiar with is such an incredible opportunity. I’ve seen and watched OSO before, and now playing as a soloist with them is really exciting and so special! I am so excited for this!” 

Benton: How would you describe this concert to somebody who wouldn’t typically be interested in the classical or jazz styles of music?  

Failla: “This piece was originally scored for a jazz band and there are popular (pop) elements in both ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ and this whole concert. There are pop moments and feelings, and it is such a joyous work. With grand moments and swings, this is just a really wonderful piece! So, I would invite people to just sit back and enjoy the ride (as they say). 

“This piece offers such an incredible and enjoyable experience! You will hear things in the audience where you might think, ‘Wow, I didn’t know that instrument could do that!’ Instruments that don’t usually have a lot of solos (get to shine in this piece), and people might think, ‘I didn’t know that is how that instrument sounded all by itself!’  

Benton: How does it feel to be the opener for the Kaleidoscope season? 

Failla: “(Looking at the program for this concert), we have Wynton Marsalis and Gershwin’s ‘Porgy and Bess’ as well, which is really interesting because Gershwin wanted only African Americans to play the parts in this show. Personally, as an African American person, that is so interesting to hear, especially for that moment in history.  

“This concert for me is almost like a shining light on that, and that even though Gershwin was not African American himself, what was behind his work, and what really stands out in this concert is how each promotes the idea of lifting up these important voices and (musical stylings). I don’t get to play jazz very often, so this is very fun for me!”  

 Hurry and get your tickets now before the show sells out! Learn more on our JOLT events calendar.