The Arkansas Tech University Symphonic Wind Ensemble will present the consortium premiere of Brian Balmages’ symphony “Windows and Mirrors” during its performance on Sunday, March 2.
The concert will begin at 2:30 p.m. in Witherspoon Auditorium, 407 West Q Street on the ATU campus in Russellville. Admission will be free and open to the public.
“I believe that music can bring beauty into a world that so desperately needs it,” wrote Balmages in the program notes for his first symphony for band. “I believe that music can also draw attention to what is wrong with the world, and that it can help us heal. I believe that music can re-center us, guide us and bring us together.”
In addition to his work as a composer and conductor, Balmages is director of MakeMusic Publications and digital education for Alfred and MakeMusic.
The world premiere of “Windows and Mirrors” was performed by the Piedmont Wind Symphony in Winston-Salem, N.C., in November 2024.
Other pieces scheduled for the March 2 ATU Symphonic Wind Ensemble concert are “Bright Shadow Fanfare” by Nicole Piunno and “Piano Concerto No. 3” by David Maslanka, which will feature an appearance by Dr. Timothy Smith, ATU professor of music, on piano.
Dr. Daniel A. Belongia, ATU director of bands and professor of music, is conductor for the ATU Symphonic Wind Ensemble.
Learn more about the ATU Department of Music at www.atu.edu/music.
