Wind Symphony closes out year with showcase concert at Boettcher
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J06WNJKaLcU&feature=youtu.be]
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The Wind Symphony takes the unique stage at Boettcher Concert Hall in Denver on April 30.
The top wind ensemble at the College of Music is wrapping up the 2017-18 season in grand style. On Monday, April 30, the CU Wind Symphony brings a tribute and a world premiere to the circular confines of Boettcher Concert Hall at the Denver Performing Arts Complex.
The concertthe next event in the colleges ongoing series at the home of the Colorado Symphonyis part showcase of student and faculty players and part homage to composer David Maslanka, who passed away suddenly in August and was a guest at the college in February 2017.
The emotional power of this performance will be palpable, says Director of Bands Donald McKinney. There will be students on stage who knew David from last year.
The centerpiece of the program is Maslankas epic A Childs Garden of Dreams, a melding of motifs in five movements thats known as one of the composers greatest works. Its my favorite of his, but I remember telling David that I was always afraid to do it because of the technical requirements, McKinney says. He encouraged me to do it, though, so this felt like a nice way to pay tribute to him.
The intensity of the programs second half is balanced by the accessibility of the first, beginning with the mysterious and moving Shadow of Sirius, a flute concerto by Joel Puckett. Associate Professor of Flute Christina Jennings is the featured soloist, joined by a surround-sound chorus of student flutists.
Were using six flutes throughout the hall, each uniquely interacting with Christina, McKinney says. Shes a wonderful colleague and were excited to be working with her again.
A brand new piece, Unfamiliar Trees, was written for the occasion by Philadelphia composer Emily Cooley. McKinney worked with Curtis Institute of Music composer Jennifer Higdon to commission the work. I was struck by Emilys artistic voice, so we commissioned a piece from her. Itll be a good chance for our students to perform a new piece by a relatively young composer.
Also on the program is John Coriglianos Promenade Overture, featuring Associate Director of Bands Matthew Roeder as guest conductor.
McKinney says the concert is the grand finale of a special year of music making for the bands. This is my fifth year here, and I almost feel like Ive been on a journey with these students since September, he explains. The momentum has all been leading to this, and we cant wait to collaborate one more time.
CU at泭Boettcher is Monday, April 30, at 7:30 p.m. This free concert is open to the public. For more information, visit cupresents.org.