The sounds of the Chinese pipa take center stage as The University of Southern Mississippi Wind Ensemble welcomes acclaimed performer and composer Gao Hong for “Horizons,” the featured program in its October band series.
The Concert Band performs Oct. 1, followed by the Wind Ensemble on Oct. 2. Both concerts are free and begin at 7:30 p.m. on the Thomas V. Fraschillo Stage at the Mannoni Performing Arts Center. Southern Miss artist in residence and retired commander of the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” Col. Bruce R. Pulver, also will be featured as guest conductor at both concerts.
Under the direction of Dr. Catherine Rand, the Wind Ensemble, Southern Miss’ premier concert band, will feature Gao performing her own A Musical Journey: Concerto for Pipa. The work introduces audiences to the expressive range of the traditional Chinese lute. Gao’s career has taken her to Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and concert stages around the world.
“Horizons” also features Valerie Coleman’s Roma, Germaine Tailleferre’s Marche, David Biedenbender’s Enigma and Berta Alves de Sousa’s Porto Heroico. The finale of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 brings the evening to a dramatic close.
The Wind Ensemble has appeared at national conferences of the College Band Directors National Association and conventions of the American Bandmasters Association.
Directed by Dr. Cody Edgerton, the Concert Band will feature music ranging from quiet reflection to exuberant celebration, including Ron Nelson’s Lauds (Praise High Day). Pulver will guest conduct Eric Whitacre’s Lux Aurumque.
Additional selections include works by Shuhei Tamura, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Pinkzebra, David Gillingham and James Stephenson. The performance follows the Concert Band’s recent children’s concert for area schools, “Seymour’s Great Big Musical Adventure,” and its state premiere of Joni Greene’s Splitting Light.
