The West Virginia University Wind Symphony opens its season Tuesday, Oct. 9, with a concert at the Creative Arts Center.

The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre.

The 45-member WVU Wind Symphony, conducted by John Hendricks III, with assistant conductor Dearl J. Drury, is a select group of the finest wind and percussion performers within the University. Membership is earned through audition. The Wind Symphony performs at a near-professional level, presenting at least four concerts each year comprised of the finest classical and contemporary wind literature.

The Oct. 9 program will include:

“Aegean Festival Overture” by Andreas Makris. The driving energy of the opening and closing fast sections, combined with the lyric plaintiveness of the middle section, reflect the Greek origins of the composer.

“Hymn to a Blue Hour” by John Mackey. This work was composed to depict the romantic, spiritual, and ethereal connotations of the magical time of day right after sundown and before complete darkness sets in.

“Sinfonia Voci” by David Holsinger. Subtitled “I Sing the Mighty Power of God,” this energetic piece is based on the 1784 melody entitled “Ellacombe.”

“Power and Glory” by John Philip Sousa. This is a rather obscure Sousa march that varies from the typical march style by including the popular “Onward Christians Soldiers” as the Trio theme.

“Flourishes and Meditations on a Renaissance Theme” by Michael Gandolfi. This 2010 composition contains seven variations based upon an anonymous and simple Renaissance melody entitled “Spagnoletta.”

“Danzas Cubanas” by Robert Sheldon is a set of three original dance-like movements celebrating the joy and energy of the Afro-Cuban music and the people of the island nation of Cuba.

For concert tickets and information, call the WVU Box Office at (304) 293-SHOW.

-WVU-

CONTACT: Charlene Lattea, College of Creative Arts
304-293-4359, Charlene.Lattea@mail.wvu.edu

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