University Orchestra to premiere ‘Fanfare for Greencastle’ this Sunday

Music director and composer Orcenith Smith will lead the DePauw University Orchestra in the premiere performance of his new work, “Fanfare for Greencastle,” co-commissioned by the Greencastle Arts Council and the City of Greencastle Mayor’s Office. Tickets are free to the opening orchestra concert on Sunday, Sept 17 at 3 p.m. at the Green Center.

DePauw University/LINDA STRIGGO

The season-opening concert of the DePauw University Orchestra on Sunday, Sept. 17 at 3 p.m. at the Green Center for the Performing Arts, highlights a wide range of repertoire from Aaron Copland’s masterpiece “Appalachian Spring,” with its evocative variations on the tune “Simple Gifts,” to an orchestral arrangement of Taylor Swift’s smash hit “Shake It Off.” 

If that weren’t enough to entice music lovers young and old to attend, not least on the program will be a brand new work, “Fanfare for Greencastle,” co-commissioned by the Greencastle Arts Council and the office of Mayor Bill Dory.

Orcenith Smith, the orchestra’s music director and a longtime Greencastle resident, was commissioned to pen the fanfare and will lead his musicians in its first performance in recognition of the bicentennial celebration of the 1823 founding of the City of Greencastle.

Smith envisioned the work being arranged for a smaller, traveling ensemble that could be called upon to perform the fanfare for special occasions, such as the unveiling of a new mural or the swearing in of a new mayor in January.

According to the composer, who was inspired by the song “Home Sweet Home” popular in 1823, “I wanted to channel both the time and energy of the city’s first days and to trumpet this current moment of celebration.”

If you couldn’t get tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras tour this summer, come hear DUO perform “Shake It Off” and Smith’s “Fanfare for Greencastle” in Kresge Auditorium — where tickets are free and everybody’s welcome. 

Tickets to the orchestra concert can be obtained online at dpugreencenter.eventbrite.com, or in person at the Green Center box office, beginning 60 minutes prior to any ticketed performance.