This concert is inspired by the human and divine nature, landscapes, tradition, and architecture. This year, we are celebrating the 150th birthday of one of the most important and influential composers for wind ensemble, Gustav Holst. In this concert, the Queen’s University Wind Ensemble will interpret his First Suite in E flat for Military Band, the cornerstone of twentieth century band repertoire. In his popular composition for band, Eric Whitacre says that, "October is my favorite month. Something about the crisp autumn air and the subtle change in light always make me a little sentimental."
Principal clarinettist at La Scala Luigi Bassi’s Fantasia da Concerto on motives from Verdi's Rigoletto is one of the most enduring works for the clarinet. This piece will feature the co-winner of the 2024 Queen’s Concerto/Aria Competition, Scott Song. Angels in the Architecture is based on the dramatic conflict between the two extremes of human existence – one divine, the other evil. This accomplished and inspired composition by Frank Ticheli features a variety of contrasting styles, such as a peaceful vocalist accompanied by a colourful assortment of percussion instruments. Angels will
certainly resonate well in the beautiful acoustics of the Isabel Performance Hall.
The Queen’s 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 twice a year. In past years, joint 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), U of T (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.