RELEASE: Maestro Ernest Richardson leads the Omaha Symphony in the music of Paul Simon

Paul Loren tributes one of the most iconic songwriters of all time in Legends: The Paul Simon Songbook
Hits like “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “Graceland” performed live at the Holland

OMAHA, Neb., Jan. 21, 2021 — Maestro Ernest Richardson takes the stage with the Omaha Symphony for the first time in 2021 to kick off the year’s Pops and Rocks series with a musical homage to one of America’s greatest songwriters, Paul Simon. Crooner Paul Loren joins the orchestra, adding vocals in a captivating tribute to a legendary figure of the folk-pop era, with a dramatic and lush tour through Simon’s catalog. The evening features cornerstones from the Simon and Garfunkel years, including hits like “Mrs. Robinson” and “Cecilia,” to the mainstays of Simon’s solo career like “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” and “Me and Julio Down by the School Yard.”

Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, January 30 and 2 p.m. Sunday, January 31 at the Holland Performing Arts Center Peter Kiewit Hall.

The orchestra will also be joined by vocalist Daniel Berryman, guitarist Shubh Saran, bassist Brian Killeen, and drummer Eric Metzgar.

“I love the music of Paul Simon,” said Resident and Principal Pops Conductor, Ernest Richardson. “I grew up with it and continue to marvel at his lyrics as well as the music. As a lyricist, he’s always been an amazing storyteller; as a composer, he is unencumbered by genre, freely moving from style to style based upon the needs of the lyrics. His music continues to inspire me and shape the musical contours of my life.”

Hits such as “Graceland,” “The Boxer,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” have defined Paul Simon’s career and remain important fixtures in American pop music. With arrangements covering his years as one half of the duo with Art Garfunkel to his greatest solo achievements, this symphonic tribute serves as a tour of Simon’s prolific songwriting career.

Program:

Graceland

Mrs. Robinson
Scarborough Fair/Canticle
Cecilia
El Condor Pasa (If I Could)
The Sound of Silence
The Boxer
You Can Call Me Al
Take Me to the Mardi Gras
50 Ways to Leave Your Lover
Still Crazy After All These Years
Loves Me Like a Rock
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard

About Ernest Richardson

Ernest Richardson is in high demand as a conductor, composer, arranger, violist, organizational leader and inspirational speaker. His versatility finds him within one season conducting Stravinsky's Firebird Suite or Broadway artists in the works of Leonard Bernstein, a live-to-movie production of Harry Potter, facilitating strategic decision-making for leading arts organizations or training young musicians in the passionate, persistent pursuit of perfection.

Currently the resident and principal pops conductor of the Omaha Symphony, he also holds the position of music director and principal conductor for the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra and is artistic director and CEO of the innovative Rocky Mountain Summer Conservatory. Richardson received his musical training at Indiana University and The University of Michigan.

About Paul Loren

Leading a new generation of soulful crooners, Paul Loren is a singer, songwriter, producer and consummate entertainer. A native New Yorker, Paul was raised on the rich legacy of soul, classic pop and the Great American Songbook and in those musical idioms he feels most at home. Taking elements from early R&B, jazz and Brill Building pop, he crafts his music with an ear towards timelessness.

Citing influences like Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and Tony Bennett, Loren is known for his retro sound and engaging stage presence. He recently completed his first headlining tour and has appeared on numerous tours with Brendan James, The Temptations, and as part of Stamford’s Summer Concert Series “Wednesday Night Live.” In addition to performing regular sold-out shows at Joe’s Pub at the Public in New York City, Loren’s performance milestones include showcases at The SoHo House NYC and the AAA Radio Convention in Boulder, CO. He has shared the stage with the likes of Paul Shaffer, Queen Latifah and Christie Brinkley.

Ticketing Information

Tickets for Legends: The Paul Simon Songbook start at $20. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.omahasymphony.org, through the Ticket Omaha app, or by calling Ticket Omaha at 402.345.0606. Performance dates are subject to change. In the event of performance changes or cancellations, the Omaha Symphony will email ticket holders to inform them of new dates and ticketing options. Patrons with questions may email ticketomaha@o-pa.org. The Omaha Symphony also regularly posts performance updates at omahasymphony.org, along with the Omaha Symphony’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages. Patrons can sign up for the latest updates at omahasymphony.org.

Public Health Information

Performances at the Holland Performing Arts Center feature physically distanced seating and will only be seated at a maximum of 30 percent capacity. All patrons will be required to complete a health screening questionnaire prior to accessing their mobile tickets via the Ticket Omaha app. Masks are required at indoor Omaha Symphony performances. The following changes have been implemented within the venue:

  • Enhanced Cleaning & Sanitation - Electrostatic technology disinfecting large common areas, enhanced sanitizing of high touch surfaces with hospital grade disinfectant and hand sanitizing stations throughout the venue
  • Heating and Cooling System – Upgrades to air handling units includes bipolar ionization filtering out viruses through ventilation
  • Staff Precautions – Staff and volunteers are required to complete a health screening upon entrance to the building, wear face masks and receive temperature checks.
  • Touchless Experience – Tickets are accessible via the Ticket Omaha app. Tickets can also be printed at Will Call. Program notes will be delivered digitally.

Find the most up to date public health information at omahasymphony.org/public-health.

This performance is sponsored by Immanuel Communities and First National Bank of Omaha.

The Omaha Symphony is a non-profit organization that presents more than 100 live orchestral performances from September through June. In addition to Masterworks, Symphony Pops, Symphony Rocks, Movies, Symphony Joslyn, and Family series concerts, the Omaha Symphony’s nationally recognized education and community engagement programs touch the lives of more than 40,000 people each year. For tickets or information regarding the Omaha Symphony, call 402-345-0606 or visit omahasymphony.org. Programs, artists, dates, times, prices, and availability are subject to change.

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