UPEI Wind Symphony presents Kokopelli's Dance
The UPEI Wind Symphony will perform its final recital of the academic year on Sunday, March 31, at 7:30 pm at the Homburg Theatre at the Confederation Centre of the Arts. This has been a particularly busy and musically rewarding year for the Wind Symphony, with highly successful performances throughout the fall and winter.
This recital will feature contemporary works for the modern wind band, with several emerging masterworks of the genre. “Kokopelli’s Dance,” by American Nathan Tanouye, is the first classical composition by this predominantly jazz composer. It is a light-hearted, spirited work conveying the culture of this native legend from southwestern America. Another American, William Pitts, has written a minimalistic work, with layered sounds, trumpet fanfares, and sections alternating between atonal and swing jazz figures. Titled “Conniption,” the concept of hysteria is an appropriate emotional context for this work. “Colonial Song,” by Percy Grainger, will also be performed. It is a sentimental work conveying the land and people of the composer’s native Australia.
Soloist for this recital is tubaist Gregory B. Irvine. Dr. Irvine will be retiring in June following a twenty-nine year career as professor of brass studies at UPEI. He will be performing Edward Gregson’s “Tuba Concerto,” which consists of alternating rhythmic and lyrical themes.
This recital will be the final Wind Symphony performance for five of its graduating students. All have made significant contributions to UPEI, and the Wind Symphony in particular, throughout their undergraduate careers. They include Leah Jordan, clarinetist; Joanna McKearney, saxophonist; Justin Amador, hornist; Zachary Benard, trombonist; and, Ryan Drew, percussionist.
The UPEI Wind Symphony received the 2014 Music PEI award for Achievement in Classical Music. Under the direction of Dr. Karem J Simon, the Wind Symphony has had a progressive approach to its programming, and in reaching a wider audience. With performances throughout PEI and beyond each year, partnerships with PEI school music programs, and utilizing unique performance spaces, the Wind Symphony is among PEI's most respected large ensembles. Commissioning new compositions, featuring outstanding student and professional soloists, and showcasing masterworks of the wind band genre are all hallmarks of this ensemble. In recent years performances at Zion Presbyterian Church, St. Dunstan’s Basilica, and Park Royal United Church have attracted capacity audiences.
Tickets ($15 for adults, $10 for student students) for this performance may be acquired in advance at UPEI’s music department and at the Confederation Centre Box Office. The public is cordially invited to attend.
The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.
