Symphonic Wind Ensemble Debuts Sunday

The Arkansas Tech University Symphonic Wind Ensemble will make its 2017-18 debut with a concert entitled “Heat” on Sunday, Oct. 1.

The performance will begin at 2:30 p.m. in Witherspoon Auditorium, 407 West Q Street in Russellville. Admission will be free and open to the public.

The ensemble will perform “Petals of Fire” by Zhou Tian, “Liberation” by Dr. David Maslanka and the world premiere of Dr. Roy Magnuson’s “Five Toasts for Solo Trombone, Winds and Percussion.”

Tian’s “Petals of Fire” premiered in March 2017 at the College Band Directors National Association National Conference. Dr. Daniel A. Belongia, director of bands and associate professor of music at ATU, described the piece as a “stunning new addition to our repertoire.”

Singers from the Arkansas Tech choral program will join the ATU Symphonic Wind Ensemble for “Liberation,” which will be performed in memory of the composer. Maslanka died on Aug. 6, 2017.

“The Latin text for ‘deliver me’ (Libera me) are sung by the choir and sum up our mourning for the loss of this master composer,” said Belongia.

Magnuson’s “Five Toasts” is dedicated to Dr. Sean Reed, assistant professor of music at ATU. The composer is scheduled to be in attendance for the premiere performance of his piece.

“This new trombone concerto is unlike anything in the trombone or wind ensemble repertoire,” said Belongia. “Please join us for this wonderful music, and also to experience the results of the recent renovation that was done to improve the acoustics and performance experience in Witherspoon Auditorium.”

Call (479) 968-0368 or visit www.atu.edu/music to learn more about public performances hosted by the ATU Department of Music.