UPEI Wind Symphony to perform encore performance
The UPEI Wind Symphony, under the direction of Dr. Karem J. Simon, will feature an encore performance of 'The Lord of the Rings' on Sunday, February 5 at 3:00 pm in the Homburg Theatre at the Confederation Centre of the Arts. As UPEI's Dr. Steel Recital Hall was filled to capacity for the December 1 concert, this additional performance will hopefully satisfy the demand of those unable to take in the initial recital. Moreover, the opportunity to hear the Wind Symphony in the Homburg Theatre, an excellent concert hall, will make for an enhanced experience for audience members.
Dutch composer Johan de Meij's Symphony No. 1 'The Lord of the Rings' is based on the trilogy of that name by J.R.R. Tolkien. This book has fascinated many 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 Gandalf (The Wizard), Lothlórien (The Elvenwood), Gollum (Sméagol), Journey in the Dark, and Hobbits. The symphony was written in the period between March 1984 and December 1987 and has garnered many awards.
This special performance in the Homburg Theatre is done collaboratively with the PEI Intermediate Honours Band. Since 1992, a select group of school band students has met for an intensive weekend of rehearsals under the direction of an acclaimed conductor to advance and enrich their music making. This year's Honours Band consists of 130 instrumentalists, under the direction of Maestro Rowan Fitzgerald.
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 compact disc featuring selected repertoire from each year's performances. Its 2010 compact disc, 'Cathedrals,' received the Music PEI Award for best classical recording. In the spring of 2011, 'Freebirds,' was released to much praise. Each year, the Wind Symphony tours selected areas of the region to provide its membership with additional performance experiences and share its music with a wider audience. During the fall semester, performances of 'The Lord of the Rings' in Nova Scotia and PEI were met with enthusiastic response from audiences.
The public is cordially invited to attend this additional performance. Tickets for 'The Lord of the Rings' ($10 adults, $5 students) may be purchased at the Confederation Centre Box Office.
