The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Anthony Parnther, will present the second concert of its 95th season, “Revolutionaries,” on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 3 p.m. at the historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts Explained Maestro Parnther, "This will be an exciting and unique concert inclusive of two world premieres and some very special surprises. We will introduce the first Composer in Residence in the 95-year history of the SBSO, Dr. Fernando Arroyo, who has been commissioned to write a new symphonic poem centered around our beautiful city, San Bernardino. The title is: 'Al Pie de La Montaña,' translated to 'At the Feet of the Mountain.' It’s a retrospective of the city going through its early Indigenous roots, the mission and pioneers of the region, the 1920s and old Hollywood, the boom of the Black and Latino communities, the struggle, and a hopeful future with the idea of the mountain range and the desert as two spirits watching over the town."
Dr. Arroyo, received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in Composition at the Manhattan School of and a PhD in Composition at the University of California in Los Angeles where he worked with composers Bruce Broughton, Paul Chihara, Ian Krouse and David S. Lefkowitz. His music has been performed throughout the world and ranges from to solo instrumental works, chamber music and large symphonic works to film, theatre and popular music. Most recently the Washington Heights Chamber Orchestra (NYC), the Southern California Viola Choir and members of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Long Beach Symphony Orchestra and Santa Barbara Symphony have performed his music. As a film composer, Arroyo wrote the music for “Any Given Tuesday”, a PSA featuring Elton John and Jamie Foxx. Recent film collaborations highlights include work on Independence Day: Resurgence (2016), Pet Fooled (2016), Survivors (2018), and Midway (2019). And, SBSO attendees may we recognize him from our string section!