Howdy Tucson! Music of the American West

About this event

Saddle up, Tucson. We are bringing the spirit of the open range home for a celebration deeply rooted in our desert culture and local vibes. The Tucson Symphony Orchestra is tipping its hat to our rugged heritage with Howdy Tucson! Music of the American West . Whether you have lived under these desert stars your whole life or simply love the timeless romance of the frontier, this is your invitation to experience the soundtrack of the open road brought to life in massive symphonic technicolor .

Led by powerhouse baritone Nathaniel Hackmann and our newly appointed Principal Pops Conductor Evan Roider, fresh off leading Broadway hits like Wicked and Les Misérables and conducting top orchestras nationwide, the program bridges deep musical craftsmanship with pure Western storytelling . Film buffs will recognize John Williams’ heroic brass in The Cowboys Overture and Jerome Moross’ horizon-spanning syncopations in The Big Country , while classical aficionados will appreciate how Aaron Copland defined the sonic West by weaving folk roots into modernist gems like Rodeo and El Salón México .

Beyond the grand orchestral showcases , the program dives straight into the soil of local trail dust and lore. You will experience everything from the gentle campfire swing of Bob Nolan’s Tumbling Tumbleweeds and the dramatic weight of Frederick Loewe’s They Call the Wind Marīa to the raw, thunderous percussion of Ferde Grofé’s Cloudburst , alongside brand-new arrangements of songs rooted right here in Arizona heritage. It is insider-level programming wrapped in approachable, high-octane fun, ensuring every listener catches both the subtle musical genius and the overarching Western magic.

Expect classic Western warmth paired with the energy of a true community gathering. Grand, nostalgic, and fiercely proud of our local roots , this event is the perfect reason to round up your favorite people and celebrate the music that lives in the marrow of the West.

I chose three Western songs that had something to do with Arizona, each totally orchestrated in a new way—really like a premiere.

Evan Roider

Evan Roider’s appearance is made possible by the James H. and Frances R. Allen Family Foundation in Loving Memory of Kimberlee Allen.

Plan Your Visit

• This concert is available as part of a Create Your Own Subscription or as an add-on after purchase of any other subscription series .

• Linda Ronstadt Music Hall has a clear bag policy. Read more about this venue .

• Please note : This program will not have a Sunday performance, only 2 performances on Saturday.

From Tucson Symphony Orchestra