Fredonia Wind Ensemble to showcase acclaimed artists at April 22 concert
Three international artists – Gail Williams, retired associate principal horn of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Dan Perantoni, tubist with Summit Brass and a legendary artist; and noted composer Jim Stephenson – will be in the spotlight when the State University of New York at Fredonia hosts a concert by the Fredonia Wind Ensemble on Saturday, April 22, 8 p.m., in King Concert Hall.
Ms. Williams, who grew up on a farm in Western New York and is professor of horn at Northwestern University, and Mr. Perantoni will be featured artists in the premiere of the wind ensemble version of “Vast and Curious,” which was composed by Mr. Stephenson. Works by Stephenson have been performed by the St. Louis Symphony and Minnesota Orchestra, and he is currently composing commissioned pieces for the Montreal Symphony and Chicago Symphony.
“The Fredonia Wind Ensemble is honored and thrilled to be the recipients of the Sorel Medallion in Recording Grant, which supports the commissioning and appearance of the artists and promotes female artists,” said Dr. Paula Holcomb, director of Bands and Fredonia Wind Ensemble conductor. Claudette Sorel, benefactor of the Medallion in Recording Grant, was founder and chair of the Fredonia School of Music piano department.
Other selections to be performed include: "Promise of Living," by Aaron Copland; "SeaBlue Circuitry,” by Grammy-nominated composer Mason Bates; and "Sinfonia No. 3," by Roberto Sierra. Sai Ceng will serve as an assistant conductor at the concert.
“We will leave you dancing in the aisles!” Dr. Holcomb promised.
The concert is free and open to the public.
