László Veres will don his John Philip Sousa-style bandleader uniform on Tuesday, Nov. 11, when he conducts Arizona Symphonic Winds’ 40th annual Veterans Day concert at Catalina Foothills High School.
The concert has been one of the highlights of the Winds concerts since Veres formed the ensemble. It was his way of thanking the country he’s called home for the majority of his 88 years.
Arizona Symphonic Winds founder and conductor László Veres will don his John Philip Sousa uniform for Tuesday’s Veterans Day concert.
“I just love this country and I owe this country a lot,” he said. “I decided to do a Veterans Day concert honoring veterans past and present, and I am veteran myself.”
Veres, who came to the U.S. from his native Budapest, Hungary, on March 11, 1957, served in the Army at Fort Huachuca from 1960-63. The date he arrived and the date when he became a citizen — Aug. 14, 1962, in Bisbee — are etched in his memory, milestones of why he loves America and all it stands for.
As for the Sousa uniform, well, that all came about 25 years ago when a conductor and Sousa impersonator named Keith Brion brought his act to Tucson. Veres invited Brion to lead his community orchestra, and when the conductor arrived in his full Sousa outfit, Veres had to know where he could find it.
“I had always admired Sousa,” Veres said, adding that he follows the legendary bandleader’s template for programming wind concerts.
From the first time he put on the garb, the audience was on board.
“They loved seeing me in that uniform,” he said. “I put it on twice a year, on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.”
Tuesday’s concert opens with “Star Spangled Banner” and includes “Fanfare for Freedom,” “Armed Services Salute,” a patriotic tribute to all branches of the military; “Stars and Stripes”; “1812” Overture with bass drums; and “American Salute” based on the tune “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.”
In the concert’s second half, guest vocalist Armen Dirtadian will perform a trio of songs made famous by Sinatra: “Come Fly With Me,” “Witchcraft” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.”
Tuesday’s concert begins at 3 p.m. at Catalina Foothills High, 4300 E. Sunrise Drive. Admission is free, and donations are accepted.
