Jim Owen has been a fan of both classical music and the Beatles since childhood. While attending a concert that featured some Beatles music, the idea came to him that audiences would love attending a concert of all-Beatles music played like symphonic numbers. The opportunity came in 1994 when he was taking music classes part time at California State University in Long Beach.
If you go
Classical Mystery Tour
Where: 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday
When: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
Info: $20 to $85; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
He went to the music school office seeking someone who would be good at writing arrangements and was directed to Martin Herman, a professor of music who turned out to be a big Beatles fan. When Owen mentioned his vision of a symphonic Beatles concert, Herman could not wait to start working on it. The result is “Classical Mystery Tour,” the final National Symphony Orchestra concert in the Kennedy Center until fall. The program covers favorite songs that Herman transcribed directly from Beatles recordings. It begins with their early music and continues all the way to the Beatles’ solo years, all backed by the full orchestra.
This tribute to the Fab Four has played to enthusiastic crowds in many cities on several continents and features four performers holding impressive credits as Beatles interpreters. In addition, each bears uncanny resemblance to the artist he represents in both voice and appearance.
Owen, who portrays John Lennon on rhythm guitar and piano, has toured internationally with productions of “Beatlemania” since he was 18. Tony Kishman, a member of the national and international tours of “Beatlemania,” portrays Paul McCartney on bass guitar and piano. Tom Teeley on lead guitar starred as George Harrison in both the Broadway and film versions of “Beatlemania”. Chris Camilleri as Ringo Starr rounds out the foursome. Camilleri, a founding member of the Beatles tribute band Liverpool, has performed at the Beatlefest national conventions since 1979. All four contribute to the vocals.
Becoming John Lennon on stage gives Owen great joy, he said. He especially looks forward to performing in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall with its rich, live sound, and he promises that those attending who do not arrive as Beatles fans are sure to emerge as fans.
“The music is not only good, but it sends a positive message in a happy kind of music,” he said. “Everyone is uplifted when they hear songs like ‘Hey Jude’ and ‘All You Need Is Love.’ These are the happy moments people remember.”
