The West Virginia University Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony will present a concert at the Creative Arts Center on St. Patricks Day, Monday (March 17).
The concert, which includes Irish-themed melodies and a piece dedicated to the victims of the tragedy at Virginia Tech, will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre.
Conductors include WVU Director of Bands John Hendricks III and students Christopher J. Nichter and Matthew Smith.
During the first half of the concert, the WVU Symphonic Band will performWindy City Overtureby Johan de Meij,Bridgesby Samuel R. Hazo,Military Symphony in Fby Francois Joseph Gossec,Epinicionby John Paulson andDo Not Go Gentle Into That Good Nightby Elliott del Borgo.
Following intermission, the WVU Wind Symphony will presentDynamicaby Jan Van der Roost, followed byIrish Tune from County DerryandShepherds Heyby Percy Grainger,Symphony No. 6by Vincent Persichetti andMarch, Op. 99by Sergei Prokofiev.
Irish Tune from County Derry,based on a work collected by a Miss J. Ross of County Derry, Ireland, was published inThe Petrie Collection of Ancient Music of Irelandin 1885. The melody and rich sonorities of the arrangement have kept theIrish Tunea favorite for decades.
Bridgesis a tribute to the victims of the tragedy at Virginia Tech.
On the morning of April 16, 2007, I had just arrived at WVU to serve two days in their artist-in-residence program,Hazo said.Following our first rehearsal, John Hendricks took me into his office and sadly relayed to me a message he had received about that mornings shootings on the campus of Virginia Tech. Upon hearing the news, I immediately phoned my friend Patrick Casey, Virginia Techs director of bands. I conveyed my deepest concern to Patrick and offered to do anything that could help him and his students through what would be a long healing process.
A week after the tragedy, Casey asked Hazo to compose a memorial/healing piece for Virginia Techs Commencement band.Bridgespremiered at the schools Commencement.
For tickets to the concert, call 304-293-SHOW.
