Events

April 12, 2010

Emory Wind Ensemble ends season on an energetic note


The Emory Wind Ensemble presents its final concert of the 2009-10 season on Wednesday, April 21, at 8 p.m. at the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts.

The Emory Wind Ensemble has established itself as a national leader in the commissioning and performance of new music for wind band/ensemble, including well-known composers.  The group has received numerous campus, local and national grants to support composers in writing and premiering 18 new pieces for concert band and wind ensemble since 1999.

Freshman trumpet player Derrick Montgomery enjoys the opportunity to work with living composers as well as tackle the technical challenges of recently written pieces. “I always remember the quote I hear on NPR which is that ‘all music was once new.’  I think it’s our responsibility as young musicians in the culture to carry on that tradition,” he says.

The program on April 21 represents a variety of recently composed music, including one commissioned by Emory, a new work for euphonium and wind ensemble by Emory Coca-Cola Artist-in-Residence composer Libby Larsen titled “Cri de Coeur.” International euphonium virtuoso and Emory artist affiliate Adam Frey takes on the solo role in this highly emotional work.

Also featured are three musicians from “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in Washington, D.C., who will take part in the national pre-publication premiere of John Williams’ “Escapades,” a three-movement concert suite based on themes from Steven Spielberg’s 1993 film “Catch Me If You Can.”

Kevin Harrell, a sophomore bassoonist, notes that “it’s exciting to have opportunities to perform music that is not yet established, but is fun for both the players and the audience to experience. ‘Escapades’ is particularly enjoyable since many of us have grown up with John Williams’ film music.”

Senior Joel Thompson, winner of the 2009-10 Emory Concerto Competition, will perform as the soloist on the first movement of Igor Stravinsky’s “Concerto for Piano and Wind Instruments.”

“It was written almost a hundred years ago, but it sounds like it was composed yesterday.  Each time I approach the piece I find something new and fresh,” says Thompson, a senior.

Rounding out the program are two pieces that focus on rhythm and energy: Canadian composer John Estacio’s “Frenergy” and David Sampson’s “Moving Parts.”

For information call 404-727-5050 or visit www.arts.emory.edu.

Scott Stewart is music director and conductor of the Emory Wind Ensemble.

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