The University of Mississippi Wind Ensemble will continue its 2024–25 concert season on Thursday, November 21, at 7:30 pm at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts.
The Wind Ensemble is conducted by Dr. Tim Oliver, director of bands in the Department of Music.
Two highlights of this performance are a collaboration between a solo voice and winds as well as the performance of two works commissioned in part by the University of Mississippi Wind Ensemble.
The concert will begin with “The Blessing of Light,” a recent work by Australian composer Jodie Blackshaw.
A member of our voice faculty, Dr. Jos Milton, Associate Professor of Music, will collaborate with the wind ensemble on a famous piece titled “Knoxville: Summer of 1915” by Samuel Barber. Originally for solo voice and orchestra, this professional-level work has been performed worldwide by renowned soloists and ensembles.
Emerging composer Gala Flagello wrote the next work, “Love & Nature.” Flagello finished this piece earlier this year which is being performed by numerous wind bands across the country. It is one of two commissioned compositions in the concert.
Dr. Milton returns to the stage accompanied by Professor of Music, Amanda Johnston to perform one of Robert Schumann’s vocal songs, “Nachtlied.” This short, serene work is followed by the second of the commissioned compositions, “Fantasia on a Theme of Robert Schumann” by Steve Danyew. These two works will be performaed as a set since the vocal song inspired Danyew to compose this newly commissioned work.
The concert will close with a now famous piece by Mexican composer Arturo Márquez. “Danzón No. 2” is the result of the composer’s introduction to Latin ballroom dancing and has gained such popularity some have called it the second national anthem of Mexico.
This event is free and open to the public. For more details about this concert or other music events, contact the Department of Music at (662) 915-7268.
