The Washington Wind Symphony presents 'Sinfonia'

Vaughan Williams – English Folk Song Suite
Persichetti – Symphony for Band No. 6, Op. 69
John Mackey – This Cruel Moon
John Barnes Chance – Symphony No. 2

To celebrate the imminent arrival of Spring, Dr. Ed Powell has programmed a fresh bouquet of beautiful symphonies! You'll have the opportunity to hear some of the most popular music in the wind band repertoire, including:

• English Folk Song Suite, by Ralph Vaughan Williams – Inspired by Elizabethan and Jacobian music, as well as English folk songs, Williams composed this work in the 1920s. Many admire his eclectic, recognizable style, in which he blends native harmonies with vivid rhythms borrowed from the 800 folk songs he was said to have collected over the years.

• Symphony for Band (No. 6, Op. 69), by Vincent Persichetti – Penned by one of America's preeminent composers, this is one of 16 major works Persichetti composed for band. Over four movements, he deftly weaves the theme through brilliant and sometimes-surprising passages that create an incredible listening experience. From the opening horn solo to the raucous finale, your ears are in for an aural treat.

• This Cruel Moon, by John Mackey – Composed to portray the relationship between the immortal nymph, Calypso, and Odysseus, this piece is sure to tug at your heartstrings. In the story, Calypso first detains Odysseus, then saves him, falls in love with him, and ultimately loses him. In tribute, Mackey builds, develops, and swells his deeply expressive harmonies to emote the tenderness and tragedy of this famous Greek mythology.

• Symphony No. 2, by John Barnes Chance – One of the most popular pieces in the wind band realm, the composer didn't write it by chance. In the early 60s, he made an agreement with another noted composer – Clifton Williams – where each would write a piece based on the four-note motif C#-D-F-E. After Chance sent Williams a tape excerpt of his work, Williams gave up.

Dive into Spring with us as we present "Sinfonia." You'll enjoy the ideal acoustics, comfortable seating, as well as plenty of free parking!

Tickets: adults $20 / seniors $15 / youth $10

About Washington Wind Symphony

http://www.washingtonwindsymphony.org/