Our Spring 2018 concert series has an Asian theme. Download the flyer for our concerts.

Rising Dragons

A tremendous work of epic proportion that honors the memory of a great Korean naval hero.  Smith paints a vivid portrait of this commanding figure and the historic events of his lifetime, culminating in a great naval battle.  Complete with the mechanized sounds of the ironclad turtle ships, Rising Dragons captures all the elements of a tremendous conflict at sea.

Prayer for Asia

Prayer For Asia is an original work for wind orchestra whose main theme is inspired by prayer. Simple and pure in its core, the powerful harmonic and textural scoring make this work both music for the musician and inspiration for a new generation of audiences. The imagery of this musical entreaty tranquilly unfolds with a clarinet exposition that authentically captures the essence of an invocation. It is then adeptly passed to the English horn and masterfully developed via sectional highlighting, superlative percussion, and a climax of elysian dimension. Prayer For Asia conveys a reverence and reflection that will touch mature ensembles and audiences in a significant manner.

Variations on a Korean Folk Song

Composer John Barnes Chance first heard Arirang, a popular Korean lyrical folk song, when he was stationed in Korea in the 1950s while serving in the US Army. Arirang is estimated to be at least 600 years old and is considered by many to be the unofficial national anthem of Korea. Arirang serves as the basis for Chance’s widely-known work Variations on a Korean Folk Song, with its distinctly beautiful melody first presented to the listener with the deep, sonorous tones of the clarinet.

Suite from China West

• II. Meng Songs
• IV. Miao Dances

The authentic folk music from China West has amazed and inspired the composer to write this piece, which has elements drawn from the folk songs Gadameilin and Pastoral of the Meng People, Ashima of the Yi People, Du Mu and Amaliehuo of the Zang People, and Dou Duo and the Lusheng ensemble music of the Miao People.

Nessun Dorma

From the third act of Puccini’s renowned opera Turandot, Nessun Dorma is one of the most memorable tenor arias of all time. It is sung by the Prince Calaf, who falls in love with the beautiful but cold Princess Turandot. She has declared that any man who wishes to wed her must first answer three riddles. If he fails, he will be beheaded. In the aria, Calaf expresses his triumphant assurance that he will win the princess. A stunning performance by guest vocalist Jameson James accompanies Mark Williams’ arrangement of this masterpiece for concert band.

Intermission

A Christmas Festival

Christmastime officially starts when you hear the familiar sounds of A Christmas Festival (1950) in stores and on the radio! Leroy Anderson combines several of the most cherished holiday songs and carols into this piece, making it a well-known favorite of many. 

Molly on the Shore

Irish Reel set for Military Band

Percy Grainger (1882-1961) was a piano prodigy born in Australia. He came to the United States at the outbreak of World War I, enlisted as an Army bandsman, and became an American citizen in 1918. His many masterworks for winds include “Lincolnshire Posy,” “Irish Tune from County Derry,” “Children’s March” and “Molly on the Shore.”