Washington Wind Symphony: Of Commoners and Kings
$10-$20
William Walton — Crown Imperial
Gordon Jacob — An Original Suite
Travis J. Cross — Momento
John Mackey / Steven Mackey — Sheltering Sky
David R. Holsinger — In the Spring at the Time When Kings Go Off to War
Karl King — The Trombone King
William Walton – Crown Imperial
Gordon Jacob – An Original Suite
Travis Cross – Momento
Antonín Dvořák – Serenade for Wind Instruments
John Mackey – Sheltering Sky
David Holsinger – In the Spring at the Time When Kings Go Off to War
Karl L. King – The Trombone King
What better way to celebrate the spring equinox than taking in a concert of royal proportions at Kirkland Performance Center? Conductor Dr. Ed Powell has assembled a majestic program fit for kings, queens, and everyone who enjoys live, symphonic music.
Join us on Sunday, March 20 to listen to an impressive list of regal repertoire, including:
➢ "In the Spring at the Time When Kings Go Off to War" — With a title like that, you expect an epic musical tale, and composer David Holsinger doesn’t disappoint. Using deft variations of rhythm, pitch and dynamics, Holsinger takes you back to the time of commoners and kings. From explosive percussion and brass attacks depicting bloody battle scenes, to haunting vocals conjuring images of the dead, this masterwork is sure to resonate your medieval soul.
➢ "Crown Imperial" — Visualize a royal procession as you take in this ceremonial march by Sir William Walton. Knighted in 1951, Walton’s music is known for its sweeping romantic melodies and rhythmic virility. His most recognized work is the oratorio "Belshazzar’s Feast."
➢ "An Original Suite" — Written in 1937 for the coronation of King George VI (who later abdicated the throne), this march was also performed when Elizabeth II was crowned in 1953. British composer Gordon Jacob demonstrates his unique prowess at blending woodwinds with brass in this beautiful suite of flowing, melodic and energetic movements.
➢ "Momento" — Commissioned by the Indiana Bandmasters Association and first performed in 2011, Travis Cross’ reflective composition honors his mother, Madeline Cross, one of millions of people worldwide suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
➢ "Serenade for Wind Instruments" — Antonin Dvorak wrote this piece in Prague in the late 1870s when music was performed in palaces and castles. Enjoy this expressive suite as interpreted by our talented woodwind section.
➢ "Sheltering Sky" — Even if this is your first encounter with this nostalgic musical portrait by John Mackey, it may sound familiar. Weaving hints of traditional folksongs together with simple, serene harmonies, Mackey evokes colors of "Shenandoah" and "Danny Boy," among other memorable tunes.
➢ "The Trombone King" — A euphonium player who got his start playing in circus bands, composer Karl L. King gives the trombone section a workout in this march, beginning with a speedy klezmer-like passage, then driving to a frenetic second strain. King also penned the march classic "Barnum and Bailey’s Favorite."
So get off your throne and come celebrate the sounds of spring at the Kirkland Performance Center with the one of the finest wind ensembles in the Northwest.
Tickets: $20 (seniors $15, youth $10)