Yale Concert Band Presents a De-lovely Tribute to Cole Porter

On Friday, February 15, the Yale Concert Band salutes Yale alumnus (Class of 1913) and premier American song-writer Cole Porter in a performance of some of his favorite hits.

Among America’s most popular song-writers and arguably its most clever, Porter is immortalized for such classics as “Begin the Beguine,” “Night and Day,” “Let’s Do It” and “Can Can.” All of these and more will be played under the baton of Yale Band Director Thomas C. Duffy and performed by celebrated cabaret singer Steve Ross.

The concert will also feature the New Haven premiere of Duffy’s “Overture 1776,” which was commissioned by the U.S. Military Academy Band in celebration of its 200th anniversary. The acclaimed work is modeled after the rousing 1812 overture, says Duffy, with familiar British and American tunes substituted for the French and Russian themes of Tchaikovsky’s rousing composition. “Overture 1776” uses the same special effects of bells, fireworks and cannon fire. The Yale Camerata, under the direction of Marguerite Brooks, will also take part in the performance.

Ross has performed in gathering spots of the smart and stylish all over the world: from the Algonquin Hotel in New York, the Ritz in London and the Crillon in Paris to the Imperial Hotel Tokyo and festivals in Hong Kong, Perth and Spoleto. Described in The New Yorker magazine as “the personification of Cole Porter,” Ross has hosted radio series for BBC and National Public Radio and continues to tour widely as a solo entertainer.

In addition to being a prolific composer and for many years the director of Yale University Concert Bands, Duffy is deputy dean of the Yale University School of Music.

The delightful, delicious, de-lovely evening of song will take place at Woolsey Hall, corner of College and Grove streets, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $16 (students $10). For more information, call 432-4113.