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Edberg and McCoy to perform with DePauw University Band on Sunday
The DePauw University Band, led by Dr. Craig Paré, will perform on Sunday, Nov. 18 at 3 p.m. in Kresge Auditorium. An exciting array of works, as well as two distinguished guests, will be featured on the afternoon program.
Dr. Eric Edberg, professor of cello at DePauw, will be the guest soloist in "Tramonto (Sunset)," written for cello and wind ensemble by Spanish composer Luis Serrano Alarc--n.
"Rare are the pieces that feature string solos with wind accompaniment," Paré, the director of bands observed. "I have been wanting to collaborate with Prof. Edberg for a long time and I finally found this piece when I met the composer last December at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago.
"Alarc--n has composed a beautiful, expressive work that brings out all of the exceptional qualities of Eric's artistry. He literally sings through his cello, which makes 'Tramonto' not only the perfect piece on which to collaborate, but also a wonderful addition to wind band repertoire."
Dr. Mark McCoy, a composer as well as dean of the School of Music, will serve as guest conductor for a performance of his original composition for symphonic band titled, "A Symphony for Salem, 1692."
Part of a campuswide study at DePauw of Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible," the symphony is a musical representation of events depicted in the Salem witch trials of 1692.
"Any time an ensemble can experience a musical work directly through the composer, it is a valuable and memorable experience," Paré said, "and Dr. McCoy has generously provided just this unique opportunity to the University Band. His insights into the work, his ideas and images for the instrumental colors, the drama he seeks to capture through his music, and the intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the symphony have made this a wonderful experience for the musicians."
The concert, which will begin and end with performances by the University Band, will also feature the newly formed Wind Ensemble, an elite chamber group. In addition to "Tramonto," the Wind Ensemble will perform "The Dog Breath Variations" by the legendary American composer, guitarist and rock musician Frank Zappa, before rejoining the larger ensemble for Leonard Bernstein's "A Simple Song" and the symphonic work by McCoy.
Paré added in an email that the band is also encouraging audience members to bring a non-perishable food item to exchange at the box office for a free ticket. All donations received will go directly to the Putnam County Emergency Food Pantry.
Specific items requested by the charity include chicken noodle soup, vegetable soup, pork and beans, canned fruit, peas, carrots and corn. Monetary donations to the food bank will also be accepted.
General admission tickets to the DePauw University Band concert are $3. Children under 12, all students, and seniors over 65 are free.
For additional information about the concert, contact Dr. Paré at cpare@depauw.edu. For assistance purchasing tickets call 658-4827, drop by the Green Center Box Office, located at 605 S. College Avenue, Sunday through Friday between noon to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., or visit www.depauw.edu/music/tickets.