Drummer Alan White
Drummer Alan White

Alan White, drummer for progressive-rock band Yes, will celebrate the big 6-0 with a bang when he joins the Seattle Symphony percussion section for a performance of Stravinsky’s “The Firebird” at 2 p.m. June 14 at Benaroya Hall.

Guest conductor David Robertson will lead the program, which will include Mussorgsky’s symphonic fantasy, “A Night on Bald Mountain,” as well as a performance by violinist Leila Josefowicz of Thomas Ades’ Violin Concerto.

White, who lives in the Seattle area, has performed with Eric Clapton and Klaus Voorman, as well as John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Plastic Ono Band, with whom he recorded “Imagine” and “Instant Karma.” White also worked with Beatle George Harrison on solo projects, performing on the hit song “My Sweet Lord.”

White joined Yes while touring with Joe Cocker in 1972. Yes has released 40 albums in its four-decade career.

White’s work with charities and causes includes the “Music Matters” license plate initiative, working to raise money to support music education programs in schools.

Tickets, $17-$95, can be purchased at the Seattle Symphony ticket office at 206-215-4747 or toll-free at 866-833-4747. Tickets can also be ordered by fax at 205-215-4748 or online at www.seattlesymphony.org.

White also performs with Yes June 30 at the Snoqualmie Casino Ballroom. The concert is a co-bill with Asia.

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