Galen Kusic, Editor

The Vallejo Symphony opens its 88th season “Great and Noble” Nov. 2 and 3 with renowned American pianist Bobby Mitchell at the Empress Theatre for “Beginnings and Endings.”

Mitchell, who currently resides in Freiburg, Germany and plays concerts all over the world, was thrilled when he received an invitation to join the Vallejo Symphony for two special concerts. Mitchell will join the symphony in playing Barber Symphony No. 1, Bartok Piano Concerto No. 3 and Dvorak Symphony No. 7.

“Music is a way for people to come together and hear it live in the same space,” said Mitchell. “Playing at the Empress Theatre will be a one of a kind experience. I’m very honored to play with the Vallejo Symphony.”

Mitchell has performed extensively in the Americas, across Europe, South Africa, and the Middle East, and recent highlights include concerto performances with Philippe Herreweghe and the Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century. He records for the Alpha / Outhere music label (Haydn on an original pianoforte), and his YouTube channel has become an internet phenomenon for classical and improvised piano music, with more than half-a-million views. To check it out, visit www.youtube.com/mitchellbobby

Mitchell grew up in Nashville, TN but often visits friends in the Bay Area and loves the region. Mitchell describes himself as a “cultural ambassador,” and revels in his many opportunities to get paid and play music all around the world. While he lives overseas, he spends long stretches of time in the states.

“It is an amazing gift music has given me,” he said. “I feel very welcome in all the places I visit. People show all the hospitality they can.”

Mitchell likes go where the music takes him. Times like now, he is extremely busy with a full calendar, but other times there will be down time. He enjoys the ever-changing music environment and seeing and experiencing new places.

Mitchell is experienced in the fields of composition and conducting, specializing in improvisation. While he noted there is less space for improvising in this concert, he doesn’t ever plan it, but instead goes with the flow. He does however, practice improvisation for when the time is right.

“I never plan things in advance,” he said. “I feel the crowd and feel the moment.”

Bobby remembers learning to play piano before he learned to speak, and was extremely focused as a child. He discussed how music has changed so rapidly with social media, providing young musicians an outlet to share their work with the world that was not available to him and others before him. He emphasized that playing live music is the most important experience for young musicians to become successful.

While Mitchell is living out his dream, he notes that travel can also be tough and “feel like you’re going in circles.” He likes to switch up his mode of travel, and this year he had some time to travel cross-country on a train trip to Miami, where he was to play a concert.

“Bad travel days are the worst part of the job, but seeing things on the ground and enjoying the train was special,” he said.

Mitchell believes that music must have a community focus with the intention of bringing people together. He takes pride in playing music anywhere for anyone and stepping outside his comfort zone.

“Community focus is crucial,” he said. “The Empress Theatre is beautiful. This is a concert not to be missed.”

The “Beginnings and Endings” concerts will be Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 3 at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at www.vallejosymphony.org/tickets-2. A VIP cocktail party will take place on Nov. 2 from 6-8 p.m. with gourmet dinner-style appetizers and a no host premium bar. Tickets are $35. Advance purchase is required.

Mitchell will also be playing a fundraiser for the Vallejo Symphony on Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum. This intimate evening will feature wine and cheese followed by a solo concert by Michell. His set will include Gershwin’s “An American in Paris,” Schumann’s “Songs of Dawn” and the Chopin “Barcarolle.” Space is limited and tickets are $100, of which $80 is tax deductible.

“This is going to be really energetic and special,” said Mitchell. “You will be energized by the music.”