This contrasting concert program is inspired by war and peace. Persichetti鈥檚 manuscript sketches show that Pageant was first entitled Morning Music for Band. The opening horn motive and the first theme in the clarinet choir have a serene, pastoral quality that evokes thoughts of sunrise. The composer utilizes polytonality with multiple key centers shifting from a peaceful introduction to a lively parade with military percussion support. When Frank Ticheli is asked to describe Sanctuary, one of his finest pieces, he mentions 鈥The word sanctuary conjures a rich array of images. It can imply a place of solitude, comfort, rest, prayer, protection. It can suggest a place that is strong and imposing or one that is very small and private. The opening bell sounds suggest peace and joyful reverence. The main horn melody is at once reflective and reassuring.鈥
Letters for Home by Peter Meechan is a three-movement work in commemoration of the start of the First World War. It follows an unfortunately typical story of a soldier in the war through its movements: A Bittersweet Love Song, In the Trenches, and In Memory. Jan Van der Roost鈥檚 work Spartacus, subtitled symphonic tone poem un omaggio a Ottorino Respighi, recalls the life and death of the Roman gladiator Spartacus, who led a slave revolt in 73 B.C. that was the last and most important of the Servile Wars. The oriental quality of the melodic fragments refers to the origin of the Roman slaves. Modern composition techniques such as 12 tones series are used throughout the symphonic poem. The piece navigates between a romantic and peaceful nature to an aggressive and martial spirit referring to the revolt of the slaves.
The Queen鈥檚 University Wind Ensemble, directed by Dan Tremblay, is open to all members of the University community by audition. The Wind Ensemble usually meets twice a week and performs two times a year. In past years, conjunct concerts with other high-calibre Canadian wind ensembles and conductors were encouraged. Past collaborations included performances with the McGill Wind Symphony (Alain Cazes), Western University (Colleen Richardson), UofT (Gillian MacKay), and the Central Band of the Canadian Forces (Capt. Fullerton). The Wind Ensemble is performing a repertoire of classic, contemporary, and newly composed music.