A Night in the Tropics

At this year’s Sommerfest, the Minnesota Orchestra performs the world premiere of A Night in the Tropics, trumpeter Charles Lazarus’s original orchestral pop show. Known for mixing classical and jazz, Lazarus has arranged a show that takes inspiration from the music of Brazil, Hawaii, Greece, and Cuba.

The show includes three original compositions by Lazarus, plus a variety of other selected works, including Duke Ellington’s “Caravan” and a tribute to Antonio Carlos (Tom) Jobim. Lazarus, a Minnesota Orchestra member, is featured on trumpet and is supported by a jazz rhythm section as well as the full orchestra, including conductor Osmo Vänskä on clarinet.

Inspiration for the show came from a trip to Hawaii, says Lazarus. “I was struck by the richness of the culture and the evocative rhythms of the music. I wanted to somehow capture that after I returned home.” After his trip, Lazarus wrote “Kilauea’s Fountains,” “Waves,” and “ Dance Honu,” three original pieces that are featured in the first half of the program. “These pieces draw on elements of Hawaiian music, such as ancient hula dance rhythms and spiritual chants—but with a modern twist,” he says.

“I became intrigued by the similarities in feel and core rhythms in the music of many different tropical regions,” Lazarus explains. “I also wanted to capture the essence of the crossover lounge/exotica music popularized in the fifties by artists like Martin Denny and Yma Sumac.”

Once he finished writing his trio of songs, Lazarus had a hard time choosing his other selected works for A Night in the Tropics. “At first, I had way too much music for a two-hour show,” he says. He enlisted the help of arrangers Craig Hara and John Wasson. “I went for orchestral exotica,” says Lazarus. “Hopefully, with a good balance of familiar and new.” July 21. Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.