The URI Symphonic Wind Ensemble features the Department of Music's most advanced and committed wind and percussion students in concerts featuring serious music for wind ensemble. This program is no exception.

The program will open with The URI Brass Quintet performing two selections.  The Symphonic Wind Ensemble will begin with Leonard Bernstein’s well-known and joyous OVERURE TO CANDIDE.  CANDIDE was an operetta that Leonard Bernstein wrote in 1956. Although the operetta was not successful, the Overture has become a favorite of audiences everywhere. 

PSALM FOR BAND by Vincent Persichetti will follow.   The PSALM is in three sections and uses original chorale melodies.  In a review of the PSALM, Richard Franco Goldman wrote: “Persichetti’s PSALM is among the composer’s best efforts”, and that It has originality, musical depth, and accessibility. 

    THE MAGNOLIA STAR was a train that ran from New Orleans to Chicago with the in the mid-20th century. Composed by Steve Danyew, this work evokes train travel with driving rhythms and train-like sonorities.  It is based on the blues and it is fun and energetic.

The concert will close with Alfred Reed’s RUSSIAN CHRISTMAS MUSIC.  This superb composition is based on an ancient Russian Christmas carol as well as some thematic elements from liturgical music of the Eastern Orthodox Church. This is a massive, powerful work.