Sean Lomax The Virtuoso Whistler
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Sean Lomax The Virtuoso Whistler

North Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Established. Jan 01, 1986 | SELF | AFTRA

North Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | SELF | AFTRA
Established on Jan, 1986
Solo Classical Adult Contemporary

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"Pittsburgh Native and Champion Whistler to Perform with Edgewood Symphony on Sat"

At a concert of the Edgewood Symphony Orchestra on Saturday night, Sean Lomax will demonstrate the musical talent for which he has twice been named an international grand champion.

Mr. Lomax, 49, of Braddock isn't a singer and won't be playing an instrument. Instead, he will perform three classical numbers using a skill he describes as "a lost art" whistling.The concert "Around the World in 80 Minutes" -- will begin at 7:30 at Woodland Hills Junior High School, SwissvaleSome who are unfamiliar with the musical pedigree of whistling are skeptical at first, Mr. Lomax said.

"But they change their tune when they hear what I can do."

Mr. Lomax commands a three-octave range and has toured with Cirque du Soleil's "Corteo" show. He also has made numerous appearances around the world.

Whistling achieved its greatest popularity in America during the Big Band era of the 1930s and '40s. Mr. Lomax noted it was normal for bands of that time to keep a paid whistler on call.

He said it was especially gratifying for him to perform for older music fans who remember songs such as bandleader Ted Weems' "Heartaches," in which a whistling solo figured prominently.

While growing up in Braddock, Mr. Lomax said he was known -- and sometimes teased -- as "that guy who's always whistling."

When he left the Pittsburgh area at 18 to join the U.S. Navy and serve on a submarine, he said he met many people who suggested he compete at the annual International Whistlers Convention.

"But no one ever knew where it was held," he said.

When he did make his first appearance at the competition, in 1985, he was unfamiliar with the rules and was disqualified for going over the time allotted.

But he received a standing ovation.

"I chose to whistle Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue,'?" he said. "Everyone else was doing stuff like 'Chattanooga Choo Choo,' so I caused quite a scandal."

He won the title of International Whistling Grand Champion in 1988 and 1992, and 2009 Entertainer of the Year.

Touring with Cirque du Soleil has been the high point of his whistling career, Mr. Lomax said.

In 2004, after seeing him in several television appearances, Cirque du Soleil's management asked him to audition in Las Vegas. He premiered in "Corteo," in which he had a leading role, in April 2005.

"After that, there was no going back," said Mr. Lomax, who quit his job as a network control technician in 2005 to focus on whistling full time.

In addition to TV and public appearances, Mr. Lomax performs at private parties and frequently tours with Carnival Cruise Line, performing and teaching whistling techniques.

Those not familiar with whistling may be surprised by what he goes through to prepare for a major performance, Mr. Lomax said. In 2004, after seeing him in several television appearances, Cirque du Soleil's management asked him to audition in Las Vegas. He premiered in "Corteo," in which he had a leading role, in April 2005.

"After that, there was no going back," said Mr. Lomax, who quit his job as a network control technician in 2005 to focus on whistling full time.

In addition to TV and public appearances, Mr. Lomax performs at private parties and frequently tours with Carnival Cruise Line, performing and teaching whistling techniques.

Those not familiar with whistling may be surprised by what he goes through to prepare for a major performance, Mr. Lomax said.

"First, I have to learn to breathe the piece," he said.

To keep the melody unbroken, he must whistle while breathing out as well as in, without running out of air at mid-tune.

"To keep in shape, every few days I will whistle something challenging, like all four movements of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony or Hummel's Trumpet Concerto."

Mr. Lomax said that in contrast to many popular whistlers -- who use a fast, staccato style -- he has a melodic style, using his sound "more as a voice than as an instrument."

The three pieces he will perform with the Edgewood Symphony include two usually performed by singers and one by trumpet: "O Sole Mio," "Return to Sorrento" and Leroy Anderson's "A Trumpeter's Lullaby."

Mr. Lomax said that in the music world, nothing is ever sure, so he can't be definite about some exciting upcoming performances.

"But let's just say I might be appearing on a nationally syndicated talent show," he said. "And I might be giving a concert in Chicago in June."

Mr. Lomax said that while being a professional whistler can be unpredictable, he enjoys traveling, meeting new people and using the unusual gift he's developed.

"It's not your usual career," he said. "But I really love bringing whistling back to the people who remember it, and to people who are hearing it for the first time






- Pittsburgh Post Gazette


"Cirque Du Soleil"

Ringmaster Sean Lomax turns whistling into a skill of outstanding dexterity.
- “San Francisco Chronicle” Robert Hurwitt, Chronicle Theater Critic


"Cirque Du Soleil "Corteo""

The ringmaster (Sean Lomax) who can whistle and warble Mozart with flawless mellifluousness - STAGE AND PAGE


"Chloe Veltman Theater Critic"

The show's bossy, sergeant major-like ringmaster (Sean Lomax) turns out to be a virtuoso whistler. - (San Francisco)


"Robert Hurwitt"

Ringmaster Sean Lomax turns whistling into a skill of outstanding dexterity - (San Francisco Chronicle)


"Madeline Nusser,"

An imperious ringmaster whistles complex tunes, sometimes dueling the live orchestra that plays Cajun-style circus sounds mixed with classical music. - (Time Out Chicago)


"Christine McCall"

When the Loyal Whistler makes his grand entrances, Lomax’s operatic whistling talent comes to the forefront. - (Boston Bay State Banner)


"Suzanne Weiss"

A man dressed as a ringmaster (Sean Lomax) whistles up a storm; or rather a veritable symphony orchestra - Culture Vulture (San Francisco)


"Wayne Leung,"

The Whistler (Sean Lomax) then takes the stage to join a fantastical orchestra comprised of performers playing crystal wine glasses and large glass basins filled with water to create a whimsical opus. At the conclusion of the act the Whistler breaks out in a musical duel with the violinist. - "Fascination! Newsletter".


"Tim "Santiago""

And then there was the Ringmaster.

Wow.

That guy had all the power you would expect a top Ringmaster to have. His voice was stunningly powerful and when he cracked the whip he carried it sounded like a gun shot underscoring his commands. But more about him for the second act.

And then back to the Ringmaster!

the Ringmaster performed out in the audience by whistling classical music! And I mean really whistling! He could hit those notes like you would not believe! I swear there must have been dogs across country who were perking their ears up and saying "What was that?"

Once the trapeze was struck, the Ringmaster and a few of the clowns and other performers ended up on stage to perform a complete musical number on Whistle, Water Goblets, Violin and Tibetan Bowls!

Again, very cool.
- San Jose CA Bloger


Discography

Whistling This Christmas is the first CD by whistler Sean Lomax. Sean has been whistling since he was a young boy back in Braddock PA and has won several whistling awards including Grand Champion in 1989 and 1992. Sean has teamed up with piano player Joey Singer to make this debut album. Recorded live in Joey's studio in Las Vegas NV. Sean and Joey met during an audition in Las Vegas for Cirque Du Soleil Joey was providing his excellent services as accompaniment and Sean was there to audition. Well all went well. Sean, Joey hit it off immediately the energy between Joey on the Piano, and Sean Whistling was fantastic. Thanks in no small part to Joey Singer Sean got the part but that is another story. {Update: Sean played 2004 to 2006 Mr. Loyal The Loyal Whistler in the new touring show from Cirque Du Soleil "CORTEO"} If you are looking for that special gift this Christmas, look no further. Whistling this Christmas is that special stocking stuffer or present for that special person that loves whistling. Whistling this Christmas makes a great gift for children young and old. Kids just love Sean's whistling.

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Bio

30 YEARS OF INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT

Sean has a 45, or 60 minute show that can be tailored to fit any event as either a solo performance or as part of your show works great in retirement communities . Sean has never failed to impress and amaze audiences of all ages. An outline of Sean’s show details the life of being “The Whistler” from his humble beginnings, to the trip onto the “hot seat” on the Tonight Show - starring Johnny Carson and further to the co-starring role of “Monsieur Loyal” the Loyal Whistler in the international hit Corteo By Cirque Du Soleil Whistling has a unique and respected past in the world of entertainment. Sean’s whistling uses Jazz, Rag Time, Classical, Opera, and Gospel songs to tell a story of determination in a field that has not always been embraced in current times.

Outline of Sean’s Show:

Sean tells of his climb to the heights of the whistling world and takes the audience down his memory lane of whistling. His use of his three-octave range, and commanding stage presence always captures the audience’s enthusiasm and leads them to participate with him in whistling “Do-Re-Mi” from the musical Sound of Music. His show is a fun and light hearted stroll through the world of whistling which will amaze and enthrall.

The finale of Sean’s performance is his rendition of Bizet’s “Carmen” for Act II “Dance Boehme and that has never failed to get an ovation.

To view examples of Sean’s talent, please view the attached media. Thank you.

To book Sean for an event, show, fundraiser or just to ask a question please send a message!

Sean is a Member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), American Federation of Television and Radio Artist (AFTRA), American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), American Federation of Musicians (AFM)

Specialties: #Classical Whistling#Jazz Whistling#Rag Time Whistling#Opera Whistled#Whistling #Professional Whistler#Studio Whistler# Whistle Over#Movie Whistler#Navy whistlerSong List as of May 28, 2011 All songs have

MP3 Accompaniment. Or can be performed

with band or Symphony.

Classical, Opera

Puccini, La Boheme, “Che gelida manina” 4:31

Puccini, Turandot ”Nessun Dorma” 3:29

Verdi, La Traviata “Brindisi” 3:11

Verdi, Rigoletto, “La donna e mobile” 2:10

Verdi, Rigoletto, “Questa o Quella” 1:30

Leoncavallo, Pagliacci, “Vesti la Giubba” 3:40

Leoncavallo, (Morning), “Mattinata” 1:50

Denza, (A Merry Life) "Funiculì, Funiculà" 1:00

di Capua, (My Sun) “O Sole Mio” 2:05

Puccini, Gianni Schicchi, “O Mio Babbino Caro” 1:55

Puccini, La Bohème “Quando M'en Vo 2:35

Mozart, “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” 3:27

Bizet, Carmen “Danse Boheme” 4:36

Bizet, Carmen “Seguidilla” 1:57

Bizet, Carmen “Habanera” 3:50

Jazz, Rag Time, Top 40

Joplin, The Entertainer Piano version 2:36

Joplin, The Entertainer Orchestral version 3:06

Wonder, “Overjoyed” 3:42

Adams, “Everything I do” 4:38

Carmen. “All by Myself” IL Divo 3:20

Romanza Mauro Malavasi Bocelli 3:17

All of Me John Legend 2:30

Hymns

Sibelius, “Finlandia” This is my Song, and Finale 2:51

Runyan, “Great is Thy Faithfulness” 4:46

Spafford, “It is Well with My Soul” 2:00

Gracias A la vida 2:00

De Curtis, “Return To Sorrento” Live accompaniment with Band or Symphony

Band Members