Join Raymond Jones this Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. for “A Local Touch – Music with a Virginia Connection.” From the vivid colors of nature and storytelling to journeys through space, American landscapes, and iconic musical masterpieces, this program showcases the extraordinary range of concert bands and wind ensembles.
We begin our journey by highlighting the expressive
possibilities of a small wind ensemble, showing that winds can be delicate, humorous and dramatic, with Nicole Chamberlain’s “Animalis”, performed by the Newfound Chamber Winds. From there, we explore the dreamlike and surreal world of Spanish painter Salvador Dalí, with Aldo Forte’s “Dali,” played by the internationally acclaimed Aulos Wind Symphony.
Next, we will embark on an interior journey through different levels of intensity with Brian Balmages’ “Stages,” played by the Fairfax Wind Symphony under the baton of Stanley Schoonover. Then, an adventure awaits in outer space with “Twelve Seconds to the Moon” by Robert W. Smith, performed by the George Mason University Winds. Back on Earth and moving into the world of military tradition, we continue with the next three works: the Virginia Commonwealth University Winds perform Morton Gould’s West Point Symphony, the United States Navy Band features Aaron Copland’s “The Red Pony”, and Igor Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” will be played by the USAF Heritage of America Band, conducted by Brian Walden. Next, we have a touch of New York jazz influence with George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” with The Tidewater Winds under John Brewington, and John Duffy’s Concerto for Tenor Saxophone and Concert Band, performed by the Virginia Arts Festival Wind Ensemble and conducted by JoAnn Falletta. To wrap up this wind-filled program, Frank Erickson’s Sinfonia for Winds demonstrates the wind ensemble as a serious symphonic medium. The Virginia Wind Symphony brings to the piece the experience and character of a mature community ensemble, under the baton of the late Dennis Zeisler.
This Wednesday, join Raymond Jones for a musical journey celebrating the variety, creativity and expressive power of the wind band tradition. Tune in for “A Local Touch” on WHRO-FM at 9:00 p.m. You can also listen online through our Media Player or your preferred device.
