UPEI Wind Symphony alumni reunite for performances on December 29
From December 27–29, 2022, over 60 former members of the UPEI Wind Symphony, representing graduating classes from 1972–2022, will gather at the Dr. Steel Recital Hall to reconnect, rehearse, and perform. Most of the alumni are professional musicians representing diverse careers in the music discipline.
The public will have two opportunities on Thursday, December 29, to hear these accomplished musicians perform once again in the Dr. Steel Recital Hall—at dress rehearsal at 9:30 am and a formal performance at 7:30 pm. Tickets for the performances are $20 (cash only) and can be purchased at the door.
Under the direction of Dr. Karem Simon, the Wind Symphony alumni will prepare an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary wind band music featuring some of the treasured pieces from its repertoire. Included will be movements from “The Lord of the Rings Symphony” by Dutch composer Johan de Meij and “Medieval Suite” by American Ron Nelson. Classics, including Gustav Holst’s “First Suite in E-flat” and Percy Grainger’s “Shepherd’s Hey,” will be juxtaposed with “Skyline” by Charlottetown’s own Evan Hammell. Hammell, a former UPEI music student and a graduate of the University of Toronto Faculty of Music Composition program, is an emerging composer whose music is being widely programmed throughout the world.
Led by Dr. Simon, the UPEI Wind Symphony has evolved into a very fine ensemble performing not only traditional repertoire but also contemporary works at the edge of the discipline. Twenty-two albums, Music PEI awards, annual tours, collaborations with school bands, in addition to featuring outstanding student, faculty, and guest soloists, are the hallmarks of this group.
In recent years, to address audience demand and to enhance the experience of symphony members and audiences, the symphony performed at local churches and at the Confederation Centre of the Arts. The Department of Music is looking forward to the completion of the new performing arts centre on campus, which will become the permanent home to showcase this ensemble.
For more information, contact Dr. Simon at 902-566-0702.
