Believe it or not, spring is nearly upon us! Come celebrate the season of renewal as conductor Dr. Ed Powell leads the band in a program featuring these refreshing musical works:
* "The Hounds of Spring" - Beloved American composer Alfred Reed drew his inspiration for this work from the poem "Atlanta in Calydon"—a modern recreation of an ancient Greek tragedy by Algernon Charles Swinburne. The piece intertwines tender, harmonic textures to depict a magical picture of young love in springtime.
* "O Magnum Mysterium" - Born in Spain in the mid-1500s, composer Tomas Luis De Victoria was an accomplished organist in the Cathedral at Avila. Originally written as a chant and scored for choir, he composed "Oh, Great Mystery" to reflect the joy and reverence of the Nativity.
* "Danzon No. 2" - The dance style danzon originated in Cuba, and is an important part of today’s Mexican folklore. Composer Arturo Marquez was moved to write this piece after a visit to a ballroom in Veracruz. At times both intimate and wild, you’ll enjoy its satisfying, harmonic melodies and stirring, nostalgic rhythms.
* "Symphony on Themes of John Philip Sousa" - A graduate of Wayne State University, composer Ira Hearshen played trumpet and arranged R&B music for Motown bands in Detroit. He later became a popular film music arranger, and received two nominations for a Pulitzer Prize in Music. In this symphony, Hearshen pays homage to Sousa, widely known as the "March King." Its four movements are based on themes from some of the most popular Sousa marches, including "Fairest of the Fair" and "The Thunderer." Hearshen’s dramatic and inventive musical constructions will delight, enthuse, and surprise any fan of John Philip Sousa.
So be sure to add the last Sunday in March to your calendar and join us for this memorable musical event!
