Dr. Paula Holcomb directs the Fredonia Wind Ensemble in King Concert Hall.
The Fredonia Wind Ensemble will open its first concert of the 2022-2023 academic year with Leonard Bernstein's “Profanation,” a rousing piece from “Jeremiah” that features Bernstein's characteristic energy, in King Concert Hall on Saturday, Oct. 1, at 8 p.m.
The concert is free and open to the public.
“We are all New Yorkers, as Bernstein was – his energy and musical integrity are infectious,” said Professor Paula Holcomb, who is director of bands in the School of Music.
The next two selections are “Nimrod,” by Edward Elgar, conducted by graduate conducting assistant Benjamin Kohn, and Second Suite in F, by Gustav Holst, a British composer noted for excellence in orchestration. Mr. Kohn, who earned a Mus.B. in Music Education, with an Instrumental concentration, at SUNY Fredonia, is a candidate for a M.M., with a Music Performance major and a concentration in Conducting.
Dr. Holcomb describes “Nimrod” as a gorgeous work often played to commemorate a distinguished person, and is quite fitting to perform with the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Second Suite in F is comprised of English folk songs and dances which the composer also used frequently as a basis for his orchestral, choral and wind works.
Concluding the concert will be “Duende,” an exciting work that draws upon the flamenco dance style of Valencia, written by Spanish conductor Luis Serrano Alarcon, who hails from Valencia. His captivating work features woodwind, harp and piano solos.
“The Wind Ensemble simply delivers these works, playing with tenacity, integrity and passion that they bring to every performance,” Holcomb said. “Do come and enjoy an evening of expressive, compelling music as conveyed by these talented musicians.”
The concert is free and open to the public.
