A “heroic” farewell to conductor Jon Robertson

FALLBROOK – As they say, “all good things must come to an end.” Sadly, this is true for Fallbrook Music Society and its wonderful relationship with Jon Robertson, music director and conductor of the Redlands Symphony Orchestra.

“It is with great sadness, that we announce this next concert will be Jon’s last appearance here in Fallbrook,” said Ann Murray, executive director. “Jon has been the foundation for the Music Society for so very many years, and we have incredibly mixed emotions as he retires from Redlands Symphony Orchestra. We wish him all the best – but we will miss him very much!”

Entitled “Simply Heroic,” this concert is scheduled for Sunday, April 12 at 3 p.m. and features Beethoven’s Third Symphony, referred to by scholars as Eroica or heroic, in Italian. This is the last scheduled appearance for Dr. Robertson at the Bob Burton Performing Arts Center.

Robertson began his tenure as music director and conductor of the Redlands Symphony Orchestra in 1982, a position he has held for nearly 35 years. “Discovered” by Roy Ansell and Brenda Montiel in 1994, Robertson and Redlands Symphony Orchestra have been the mainstay of the Fallbrook Music Society Concert Seasons since that time.

The concert features some of the most highly acclaimed repertoire of the period. In addition, the April 12 performance will showcase Mozart’s Piano Concert No. 23 in A Major, K. 488 with pianist Roberta Rust. Born in Texas of American Indian ancestry, Rust debuted with the Houston Symphony Orchestra at the age of 16. She has amassed an astonishing international career as a soloist with the New Philharmonic, Philippine Philharmonic, Boca Raton Symphonia, the New World Symphony, and other orchestras in Latin America. Currently, she is on the faculty at the Conservatory of Music, Lynn University where she serves as Head of the Piano Department.

Robertson will continue with Redlands Symphony Orchestra

through May 2016 and Fallbrook Music Society intends to make every effort to assist those who wish to travel to Redlands to see Robertson. “Dr. Robertson will be conducting three concerts next season in Redlands but the dates just didn’t work out for us here in Fallbrook. Thankfully, because of our great relationship with Redlands Symphony Orchestra, we will be able to facilitate ticket purchases for anyone who wishes to make the trip up there,” added Murray.

The Sunday, April 12 performance is 3 p.m. at the Bob Burton Performing Arts Center, 2400 Stagecoach Lane in Fallbrook. Tickets are $38 and are on sale through FallbrookMusicSociety.org. Call Fallbrook Music Society for details, (760) 451-8644.