Oklahoma City Philharmonic player in the spotlight with rare tuba solo

“After almost 30 years as a member of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Ted Cox is finally getting his moment in the spotlight,” writes Brandy McDonnell in Saturday’s (4/3) Oklahoman. “For his first time with the orchestra, the principal tuba player will be the soloist for the philharmonic’s April 24 Classics concert on … Richard Strauss’ Horn Concerto No. 1 in E-flat.… Said Cox, ‘It’s great to have the opportunity…. That doesn’t come around very often.… So, it’s kind of nice that landed.’ Cox will be featured as soloist on a bill showcasing German composers … as the OKC Philharmonic continues to plan its programs and sometimes shift its schedule in response to the COVID-19 pandemic…. Although the orchestra continues to limit capacity, require masks and maintain social distancing in the seats as well as on the stage, OKC Philharmonic Music Director Alexander Mickelthwate said the audiences and excitement seem to be growing, especially as more people get their COVID-19 vaccines…. The OKC Philharmonic’s principal tubist since 1992, Cox said he started out in fourth grade playing trumpet.… Just before eighth grade … he switched to the tuba. ‘And I fell in love with the sound of it,’ Cox said.”