Wind Ensemble to Premiere New Work at the Capitol (Apr 28)

West Liberty’s elite instrumental performance ensemble, the West Liberty Wind Ensemble, under the baton of Dr. Matthew Inkster, will present a program at the Capitol Theater on Thursday, April 28, at 7:30pm, entitled “Another British Invasion.” Through the support of West Liberty University’s Office of Community Engagement and its director, Jeff Knierim, this concert is offered FREE of charge.

Prominently featured will be the World Premiere performance of “Fantasy (on victorious known triads)”, written for the WL Wind Ensemble by Wheeling musician, composer, and chair of the Department of Music and Theater at West Liberty, Dr. Matthew Harder. The “Fantasy” is a theme-and-variations on an original melody. The subtitle “victorious known triads” is taken from a rock song lyric by the group Cake. The rock song describes how an 18th century Austrian nobleman commissions a “Symphony in C” and that the composer uses “victorious known triads” to build the piece. Harder’s piece does not share any musical elements with the Cake song, but the idea of “victorious known triads” becomes apparent as the “Fantasy” slowly evolves.

The remainder of the program focuses on 100 years of music by British composers and music inspired by the British Isles and its folk music traditions. Major works by some of the greatest composers of the last century, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Gustav Holst, Gordon Jacob, and Percy Grainger, highlight the program. These composers are known for the neo-romantic settings of folk songs and ancient music of their homeland.

One of America’s most prominent active composers is Eric Ewazen of the Juilliard School. Mr. Ewazen’s fascination with and love of Ireland is showcased in his “Celtic Hymns and Dances.” His evocative expression draws one to the tragic history of the Celtic region while he offsets this sense of melancholy with spirited original dance tunes in this powerhouse work.

Wellsburg native, Alan Cline, winner of the 2011 Concerto Competition at WLU will perform from Edward Gregson’s “Concerto for Tuba.” This dynamic and exciting work by one of England’s leading contemporary composers shows off the too-often neglected bass instrument and exploits its virtuosic capabilities in ways that will be sure to impress.

This concert opens three days of cultural events and festivities including the Media, Art, and Design (MAD) Festival on the WLU campus (Friday, April 29), and WLU’s Great Gala, at the Oglebay Resort and Conference Center (Saturday, April 30).