UPEI Wind Symphony presents "The Lord of the Rings"
The UPEI Wind Symphony, under the direction of Dr. Karem J. Simon, will be performing a full recital of contemporary wind band music on Thursday, December 1, at UPEI's Dr. Steel Recital Hall. The centrepiece of the program is Dutch composer Johan de Meij's Symphony No. 1, 'The Lord of the Rings.' It is based on the trilogy of the same name by J.R.R. Tolkien. This epic tale has fascinated millions of readers since its publication in 1955.
The symphony consists of five separate movements, each illustrating a personage or an important episode from the book. The movements include: (The Wizard), (The Elvenwood), (Sméagol). The symphony was written in the period between March 1984 and December 1987, and has garnered many awards.
Among other works on this program is Conzensus, a stately fanfare by Belgian composer Jan Van der Roost, which exploits the colour of the modern wind band. Gustav Holst's Suite in Eb will be performed in its entirety. It is among the most revered and often performed band masterpieces. Cora Wong, from New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, is soloist in the Chaminade Concertino. This virtuosic work exploits the lyrical and technical qualities of the flute. The UPEI Concert Choir will join with the Wind Symphony in a performance of Eric Whitacre's highly renowned piece, 'Sleep.'
Comprised mostly of UPEI music majors, the Wind Symphony has been critically acclaimed for its performance standard and innovative programming. During the past 13 years, the Wind Symphony has produced an annual CD featuring selected repertoire from each year's performances. Its 2010 CD, Cathedrals, was recipient of the Music PEI Award for best classical recording. Earlier this year, its Freebirds CD was released to much praise. The Wind Symphony tours selected areas of the region annually, to provide its membership with additional performance experiences and share its musicking with a wider audience. During its recent concert tour of Nova Scotia, performances of 'The Lord of the Rings' Symphony met with enthusiastic response from the audiences.
Performances of the UPEI Wind Symphony have generated much interest with capacity audiences filling UPEI's Recital Hall. Tickets for this performance [$10 adults & $5 students] may be acquired from the UPEI music department office. Advance purchase is recommended.
