DePauw University Orchestra, Symphonic Band to present Thanksgiving concert

The DePauw University Orchestra and Symphonic Band welcome members of the community for a Thanksgiving week concert to be given on Sunday, Nov. 24.

The concert will begin at 4 p.m. in Kresge Auditorium in the Green Center for the Performing Arts, and is free and open to the public.

“As Thanksgiving approaches, there are emotions that settle in,” says Orcenith Smith, director of the University Orchestra. “Students go back home, see friends and family and return to a large part of their lives before DePauw.

“This time of year in the college community is a nod to transitions going on – students learning to be away from home and being independent,” added Smith. “Our goal for the concert is to play great repertoire that considers some of these emotions.”

The University Orchestra will perform a work of historical reflection by Czech composer Bedrich Smetana entitled “Vyšehrad” (“The High Castle”). In a dreamlike atmosphere, Smetana’s music recalls a “before-time” in the history of his homeland.

“The High Castle” is the first of six symphonic poems in his complete work, “Ma Vlast” (“My Homeland”), and establishes the roots for the many chapters of the Czech historical story told in music.

The DePauw Symphonic Band, directed by Craig Paré, will give its first concert of the academic year. Celebrating its second year, this non-auditioned instrumental ensemble is composed of students from a variety of majors and degrees throughout the university.

Their repertoire will include some exciting works for concert band, including “The Cowboys” by John Williams, “Exordium” by James Swearingen, the “Corcoran Cadets March” by John Philip Sousa and “Big Band Bash,” a medley of big band melodies from the 1930s and 1940s arranged by Robert Lowden.

For more information about DePauw concert events, visit music.depauw.edu or follow the DePauw School of Music on Facebook and Instagram @depauwmusic.