The guest conductor is Dr. Brian Cardany from the University of Rhode Island. He will conduct Prelude, Siciliano & Rondo by 20th century British composer Malcolm Arnold, who won an Oscar for his Bridge on the River Kwai soundtrack.
“This piece is on many lists of core works for wind band,” Symphonic Band conductor Paul Cummings said. “It’s very melodic and economical, with short movements and no excess. Arnold is known for light, witty writing but this work also has real substance.”
“We’re very excited to have Dr. Cardany here,” Cummings said. “In addition to conducting this piece, he will also conduct a master class, talk to our music education majors and do a clinic with our Symphonic Band.” Cardany was recently appointed principal conductor of The American Band. Established in New England in 1837, it is one of the oldest continuously active bands in the United States.
Cummings will conduct the rest of the program, which includes “Sanctuary” by Frank Ticheli. “He’s one of the most prominent living band composers,” Cummings said. “This is a slow, reflective piece but again, very tuneful. These melodies are presented in very contemporary harmonies.”
The Band also plays “Vadres,” a European march by Norwegian composer Johannes Hanssen, and the third movement of “Colloden” by Julie Giroux, based on her painstaking research into the oldest British folk songs. Giroux had a career in film, television and popular music (she was the first woman and youngest person ever to win an Emmy for music direction) before turning to symphonic and wind band compositions. “Now her music is played all over the country and the world,” Cummings said.
The HSU Symphonic Band performs on Friday Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. in Fulkerson Recital Hall at HSU. Tickets are $8/$5 and free to HSU students with and ID from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. For more information, visit HSUmusic.blogspot.com. Produced by the HSU Music Department.