Upcoming Performances

The Department of Music is excited to continue to present high-quality student and faculty performances during this unusual time.

The Department’s current plans are to host 2021-2022 performances in person. Select concerts or recitals may also be live-streamed. Each scheduled livestreamed concert will be assigned its own link, which you may access from your computer or other device. Recorded videos will be accessible from this page as they become available.

Notice to in-person audiences:

Our performers are working hard to perform for you and are happy they can do so! Playing an instrument or singing requires a great deal of breath support. Even though we are masked, we are breathing deeply and exhaling with great energy. Respectfully, we request that all members of the audience please consider masking – for your safety, the safety of other audience members, and that of the performers. Thank you so much.

Department of Music Reception Policy (Fall 2021):

In the interest of health and safety for the Buchanan Center’s shared musical community, the Department of Music will not hold intermission or post-performance receptions during fall semester 2021; this includes receptions for student recitals. Post-performance receptions may be held out-of-doors or at an off-site location. Receptions planned outside on the Buchanan Center property will be the responsibility of the performer or their family and friends to set up, break down, and clean up the reception site.

We hope you are able to join us for some, or all of our performances this year!

(Check out the Fall 2020 Archive and Spring 2021 Archive to stream recent concerts and recordings.)

Past Fall 2021 Events

Upcoming Spring 2022 Events

	UW Symphony 2020-2021 See the UW Symphony Brochure for descriptions Dr. Michael Griffith, conductor

	Telling Stories TBA In person from the BCPA Rectial Hall Join Dr. Nicole Riner, flute, and colleagues from the University of Wyoming Department of Theatre and Dance in a creative take on musical storytelling. Programmatic solo flute pieces will be amplified and enhanced by narration and dance, and audience members will also have the opportunity to participate as they imagine their own stories in the songs that they hear. Repertoire will include a Wyoming premiere of the non-binary flutist-composer Yoshi Weinberg’s new piece, “Some people are flowers,” as well as depictions of travel and new experiences by acclaimed composer Shawn Okpebholo, Montana composer Linda Antas, and more.

	Tom Hooten, Guest Trumpet Recital with Rebecca Wilt, piano February 25, 2022, 7:30 p.m. In person from the BCPA Rectial Hall The University of Wyoming Department of Music is honored to present guest artist Tom Hooten, Principal Trumpet of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and one of the world’s prominent classical trumpeters today. Hooten will be joined by virtuoso collaborative pianist Rebecca Wilt. Hooten began his career in 2000 with “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, where he was often a featured soloist. He went on to join the Indianapolis Symphony as Assistant Principal Trumpet in 2004, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra as Principal Trumpet in 2006, and the LA Philharmonic in 2012. He released “Trumpet Call,” his first solo album, in 2011. Hooten is an active soloist and has appeared with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, “The President’s Own” US Marine Band, United States Air Force Band, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Richmond Symphony Orchestra, Nagoya Philharmonic Orchestra. As an orchestral and chamber musician, he has performed with ensembles such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony, Grand Teton Music Festival, Harrisburg Symphony, and the Baltimore Symphony. Hooten can be heard on numerous recordings with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and the National Brass Ensemble.






PAST FALL 2021 EVENTS
	UW Chamber Orchestra: Russian Strings September 19, 2021, 7:30 p.m. In person from the BCPA Concert Hall ALSO, livestreaming at https://youtu.be/Bv6tQXYy0fM UW Chamber Orchestra presents a program of all-Russian music, “Russian Strings,” featuring pieces from the height of romanticism in Czarist Russia, with Tchaikovsky’s third string quartet, to the late Romantic era, with “Theme and Variations for String Orchestra” by Alexander Glazunov, to the darkest points of the Soviet era, with “Chamber Symphony Opus 110a” by Dimitri Shostakovich. Get the Program = back to the top

	UW Wind Symphony: Fall Pops Concert September 30, 2021, 7:30 p.m. In person from the BCPA Concert Hall Dr. Robert Belser, conductor ALSO, livestreaming at https://youtu.be/FlnnC-OR-1g Presenting a program of popular music from many genres, as well as from movies and folk music. Get the Program = back to the top

	Wyoming Baroque: The Golem October 4, 2021, 7:30 p.m. In person in the BCPA Choral Rehearsal Room Wyoming Baroque presents a live performance of a new soundtrack to the 1920 classic silent film, "The Golem," composed by Wyoming Baroque music director Dr. Mark Elliot Bergman, while the film screens. The performance is free and the public cordially invited. Sometimes called the world's first horror movie, German actor/director Paul Wegener's film “The Golem: How He Came into the World,” was a milestone in cinematic storytelling. Set at the turn of the 17^th century, the film focuses on Prague's Chief Rabbi, Judah Loew ben Bezalel, who imbues a hulking, clay creature with life and charges it with defending the Jewish people. The original narrative inspired Mary Shelley to pen her classic novel “Frankenstein, Or The Modern Prometheus.” Modern golems, including Star Trek's Data, The Terminator's Skynet, and Becky Chambers' Lovelace/Sidra, continue thrilling audiences into the 21^st century. The Wyoming Baroque soundtrack features instruments that are consistent with those used at the time of the film's setting (c. 1600 CE), and the soundtrack's language employs diverse elements from the Baroque era through the present time. Wyoming Baroque is David Wilson and Stacey Brady, baroque violin; Marta Howard, baroque viola; Barbara Krumdieck, baroque cello; Frank Nowell, harpsichord; and Mark Elliot Bergman, music director and violone. The ensemble will also teach a masterclass at 2:00 p.m. and lead a workshop with UW students at 3:00p.m. while on campus. Get the Program back to the top

	UW Symphony: Opening Night October 7, 2021, 7:30 p.m. In person at the BCPA Concert Hall Dr. Michael Griffith, conductor Katrina Zook, mezzo-soprano ALSO, livestreaming at: https://youtu.be/I0nSGcqacr4 Get the Program PROGRAM Johann Strauss, Jr., Overture to Die Fledermaus Maurice Ravel, Trois poèmes de Stéphane Mallarmé Pietro Mascagni, Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana George Frideric Handel, “Verdi prati, selve amene” from Alcina George Frideric Handel, “Cangio d’aspetto” from Admeto Ludwig van Beethoven, Symphony No. 1 The University of Wyoming Symphony Orchestra is back on stage, welcoming a live audience for the first time in almost two years. Their Opening Night! Concert will be October 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Buchanan Center Concert Hall, and is offered in person and via live-stream. The orchestra’s season is one of joy and reflection: joy that they’re back on stage, and reflection on all that’s happened these past many months. So UWSO Music Director Michael Griffith chose the most joyful music he could think of to begin, the Overture to Johan Strauss’ Die Fledermaus. It’s bubbly, it’s joyful, and it just overflows with the players’ eagerness to return to the stage. But of course, calm, beautiful music will be offered as well, for reflection, or simply for its beauty. Mezzo-soprano Katrina Zook will take the stage, singing Ravel’s impressionistic Three Poems by Mallarmé. The UWSO will play the Intermezzo from Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana, a work that begins utterly introspective and ends as passionately as you can imagine. Then Dr. Zook will return, with two arias by Handel. After intermission, the orchestra will bring you Beethoven’s youthful First Symphony. It’s a sparkling work that shows hints of the power for which Beethoven became known. Please join us, in person or online. How does a symphony orchestra perform safely in the time of COVID? The players are all masked, and the wind players also have a cover over their instruments’ bells. We strongly encourage audience members to wear masks as well. The first few rows of the Concert Hall will stay empty, creating a wide space between the orchestra and the audience. If you prefer watching from home, the concert will be live streamed here: https://youtu.be/I0nSGcqacr4. Soloist for the Ravel and Handel will be Dr. Katrina Zook. Dr. Zook is Professor of Voice, and recently appointed Chair of the Department of Music. She is currently in her 23rd year on the UW faculty. A mezzo-soprano, Zook has numerous operatic credits include leading roles in Le nozze di Figaro, Cosí fan tutte, Carmen, Hansel and Gretel, Dialogues of the Carmelites, Albert Herring, and Amahl and the Night Visitors. Recent performances include works with the Laramie Civic Chorus, the Wyoming Symphony, the Cheyenne Symphony, the Larimer Chorale with the Colorado Chamber Orchestra, the UW Symphony, and chamber music recitals with faculty colleagues. Dr. Zook is a recipient of the Extraordinary Merit in Teaching Award, a Top-Prof Award, an Ellbogen Meritorious Classroom Teaching Award, two PIE Awards (Promoting Intellectual Engagement), and the Seibold Professorship, a year-long sabbatical award during which she studied anatomy and physiology of the voice and observed pedagogy courses and vocology lab work at institutions around the country. Along with colleagues Dr. David L. Jones and Dr. Holly Dalrymple, she is co-founder of the interdisciplinary UW Vocology Lab housed in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts. Dr. Zook holds performance degrees from the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, the University of California-Santa Barbara, and the Eastman School of Music. Have you responded to our brochure yet? Your membership is more critical than ever. The Symphony Association’s biggest expense is scholarships for talented musicians in the UWSO. Despite the pandemic, that need has not gone away. If anything, it’s more critical than ever. Please support us by returning the tear-off portion of our brochure, or by calling 766-6666, or donate on-line here: https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1254/giving/interior.aspx?sid=1254&gid=1&pgid=366&cid=985. Be sure to click on “UW Symphony Orchestra.” Thank you so much, and stay safe and stay well. See you October 7! For tickets to attend in person, call 307-766-6666, visit the Fine Arts or Student Union Box Offices, or click below. back to the top

	WYO-SING!: A Choral Showcase of the UW Choirs October 9, 2021, 7:30 p.m. In person at the BCPA Concert Hall ALSO livestreaming at: https://youtu.be/VQnAmiKXqq8 Holly Dalrymple and Brian C. Murray, conductors WYO-SING! is a showcase concert featuring short performances by each of the UW choral ensembles, including Collegiate Chorale, Civic Chorus, Bel Canto, and the Singing Statesmen. All are welcome as we celebrate a return to singing! back to the top

	Trio Concert: Blake Mcgee, clarinet; Sam Ou, cello; and Chi-Chen Wu, piano October 14, 2021, 7:30 p.m. In person at the BCPA Concert Hall ALSO livestreaming at:https://youtu.be/TqhcdmYll_g The Formosa Duo (Chi-Chen Wu, piano and Sam Ou, cello) is joined by clarinetist Blake McGee at this concert featuring trios by Beethoven, Brahms, and Muczynski. During the 2019-20 season, the group presented trio concerts at New England Conservatory in Boston and Killian Hall in Cambridge. Get the Program back to the top

	Formosa Duo October 16, 2021, 7:30 p.m. In person at the BCPA Concert Hall ALSO livestreaming at: https://youtu.be/DOuoWzPfzG0 Formosa Duo is Sam Ou, cello, and Chi-Chen Wu, piano, who met at the New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) and have been collaborating as Formosa Duo for over a decade. The duo performs a diverse repertoire encompassing a wide stylistic span, from the Classical and Romantic periods through the 20^th century and into the present. Contemporary music is a passion for both musicians. This concert features “Peace” (2020) by Jessie Montgomery; Theme & Variations on "Draw the Sacred Circle Closer" (2014) by Adolphus Hailstork; Three Visions for Piano (1935) by William Grant Still; and Fantasy Heng-Chhun Melody (1990) and The Song of Taiwan (1990) by Tyzen Hsiao. Get the Program back to the top

	Momentum Project: Portraits of Women in Motion – Ellen Rowe Octet October 21, 2021, 7:30 p.m. BCPA Concert Hall ALSO livestreaming at: https://youtu.be/dnChgh6tdPc The University of Wyoming Department of Music is proud to present a live performance of music from “Momentum: Portraits of Women in Motion, Ellen Rowe Octet." In her recent CD, jazz pianist, composer, and professor Ellen Rowe has created a collection of musical portraits of women heroes in the areas of music, sports, social justice, environmental advocacy, and politics, orchestrated for chamber jazz ensembles ranging from quintet to octet. Some of the women featured are Michelle Obama, musicians Mary Lou Williams and Geri Allen, athletes Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova, unsung black female heroines of the civil rights movement, singer/songwriters Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon and Carol King, animal researchers Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall, and long distance runners Joan Benoit Samuelson, Kathrine Switzer and Meghan Canfield Lawes. In a time when diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of the national conscience, a campus visit by a jazz octet comprised of women players is a timely and important show of support for under-represented musicians in the field of jazz. This performance by the Ellen Rowe Octet highlight the excellence of these female musicians, while honoring some important historical female figures. Performers for this concert include: Ellen Rowe, piano; Lisa Parrot, alto saxophone; Virginia Mayhew, tenor saxophone; Kaleigh Wilder, baritone saxophone; Tanya Darby, trumpet; Jun Krupa, trombone; Marion Hayden, bass; Shirazette Tinnin, drums. Get the Program back to the top

	The Colorado Chamber Players October 22, 2021, 7:30 p.m. BCPA Concert Hall ALSO, livestreaming at: https://youtu.be/eLrv3hq9ky8 Brilliant young double bassist August Ramos joins the Colorado Chamber Players in an exuberant and joyful program of music. The Colorado Chamber Pyayers is Paul Primus and John Fadial, violin; Barbara Hamilton, viola; Beth Vanderborgh, cello, and August Ramos, double bass. The program includes: Quintet for String Quartet and Double Bass, D Major, G339 by Luigi Boccherini; String Quartet in G minor by Joseph de Bologne; and Quintet for String Quartet and Double Bass, G Major, op. 77 by Antonín Dvořák. Get the Program back to the top

	Duo Pragma October 23, 2021, 7:30 p.m. BCPA Recital Hall ALSO livestreaming at: https://youtu.be/ZjMNmbEdA1k Based in Colorado, Duo Pragma finds its purpose through musical partnership and commitment. The husband-wife duo, formed by Andrew Giordano, violin, and Nathália Kato, piano, is committed to values of expansion and inclusivity in their chamber music projects and joint teaching studio: Studio Pragma. Duo Pragma has performed for a wide range of audiences and demographics, from Brazil to concert venues and retirement communities in Colorado, and through online concerts, bringing music to many audiences from all over the world who would not normally have the opportunity to hear them perform. In addition to standard violin-piano repertoire, Duo Pragma often performs rarely-heard repertoire by both well-known and marginalized composers. Recently, the duo has finished arranging and is in the amidst of recording their own version of Astor Piazzolla’s “Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas.” Andrew and Nathália use their repertoire to sample an ideal world, where people from different backgrounds can come together. Bringing lesser-known works to life is also an important way Duo Pragma creates their own voice in the chamber music world. As passionate teachers, Andrew and Nathália apply these values to teaching their students, encouraging them to explore diverse sets of repertoire, which adds to their fulfillment and life-long musical journey. Duo Pragma enjoys performing for all types of audiences and demographics, which include those in the United States and Brazil. Get the Program back to the top

	Jazz Ensemble II and Jazz Combos October 28, 2021, 7:30 p.m. BCPA Concert Hall ALSO livestreaming at: https://youtu.be/uTjg4vaLSLg The University of Wyoming Jazz Studies presents Jazz Ensemble II and Jazz combos in their fall concert! Jazz Combo III will perform “Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise”by Sigmund Romberg, “Road Song” by Wes Montgomery, and “Tenor Madness” by Sonny Rollins. Jazz Combo II will perform “Mr. Kenyatta” by Jackson Chitwood, “Stolen Moments” by Oliver Nelson, and “Cariba” by Wes Montgomery. Jazz Combo I will perform “J.D. Blues” by Jackson Chitwood, “Promise” by Micah Miller, “idk yet” by Louis Potvin, and “Passion Dance” by McCoy Tyner, arranged by Michael Johnston. The Jazz II Ensemble will present a program including “Hayburner” by Sammy Nestico, “Someone to Watch Over Me” by George Gershwin (arrange by Roger Holmes), “Straight No Chaser” by Thelonious Monk (arranged by Mark Taylor), ‘Manteca” by Dizzy Gillespie (arranged by Dallas C. Burke) and “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” by Duke Ellington (arranged by Mark Taylor). Jazz Ensemble II and the Jazz Combos are directed by Tom Ammend, Ryan Fourt, Michael Johnston, and Jackson Chitwood. Get the Program back to the top

	Spotlight Series: Percussion Ensemble Fall Concert November 1, 2021, 7:30 p.m. BCPA Concert Hall Andrew Wheelock, conductor ALSO livestreaming at: https://youtu.be/sB8z78lRAEM This concert of exciting, high-energy, contemporary music will make you move! Featuring all things drums and percussion, from Marimba ensembles to Afro-Cuban percussion, there’s something for everyone! Get the Program back to the top

	Spotlight Series: Ernie Watts with the Wyoming Jazz Ensemble November 4, 2021, 7:30 p.m. BCPA Concert Hall *ALSO livestreaming at: https://youtu.be/oF3QFTTprr4* Andrew Wheelock, conductor UW Jazz Studies presents The Wyoming Jazz Ensemble with special guest two-time Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Ernie Watts, one of the most versatile and prolific saxophone players in music today. Get the Program back to the top

	View From Here Record Release Concert November 5, 2021, 7:30 p.m. BCPA Recital Hall Join us for a record release concert featuring music from faculty member Andy Wheelock's new CD, "View From Here.” "View From Here” represents Andy Wheelock’s unique musical perspective of Fusion, Funk, Timba, Jazz, and many others, combined into heavy grooves, infectious melodies, and wide-open sonic vistas. Wheelock is joined by an outstanding band of all-star musicians, including 2x Grammy award-winning saxophonist, Ernie Watts, Ben makley, piano, Alex heffron, guitar, and Gonzalo Teppa, bass. This concert is free and the public is cordially invited. It will not be livestreamed. back to the top

	Edgewater Duo November 6, 2021, 7:30 p.m. BCPA Recital Hall FREE ALSO, livestreaming at: https://youtu.be/2IbO67Cmk5c Dean Zhang, piano, and Ben Chen, clarinet are the Edgewater Duo. Clarinetist Ben Chen has given concerts on three continents and all over the United States - from Maine to Alaska. He currently holds positions with Erie Philharmonic, Cleveland Pops Orchestra, and was previously principal clarinetist of the Youngstown Symphony. Ben has performed in subscription concerts with The Cleveland Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, and as guest principal clarinetist with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. Dean Zhang has been a featured soloist with the Canton Symphony, National Repertory Orchestra, New World Symphony, Southwest Florida Symphony, Tucson Symphony, and is the laureate of numerous competitions. He served as principal keyboardist for the Omaha Symphony during the 2015-2016 season, for the National Repertory Orchestra in Breckenridge, Colorado, and for currently is principal keyboardist with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, and Canton Symphony Orchestra. An active chamber musician, he joined the critically acclaimed Astralis Chamber Ensemble in 2018 and performs nationwide with clarinetist Ben Chen as the Edgewater Duo. In addition to his achievement in piano performance, Dr. Zhang is an outstanding organist. The duo will perform works by Clara Schumann, Max Bruch, Germaine Tailleferre, Francis Poulenc, and Alexander Rosenblatt. Get the Program back to the top

	Faculty Recital Series: Bogard and Zhang Duet November 7, 2021, 3:00 p.m. BCPA Recital Hall FREE ALSO, livestreaming at: https://youtu.be/lc8b_BZL1eo Theresa Bogard and UW Music alumnus Dean Zhang present a program of piano duets. The concert features works by Leo Smit, Johannes Brahms, György Kurtág, and Igor Stravinsky. Get the Program back to the top

	Community Band and Symphonic Band: "From Film to the Shires of England" November 8, 2021, 7:30 p.m. BCPA Concert Hall ALSO livestreaming at https://youtu.be/jBbi3M2oG_Y Joseph Carver, Robert Belser, conductors Amber Sturdevant, guest conductor The program will include a great variety of music from traditional band literature to contemporary works (with of course a Sousa march thrown in). The Community Band, conducted by Robert Belser, will present “The Thunderer March,” by John Philip Sousa; “From Shire and Sea,” by Albert O. Davis; “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” arrange by Steve Rouse; and “Moscow 1941,” by Brian Balmages. The Symphonic Band, conducted by Joseph Carver, will present a program featuring new wind band compositions by Jennifer Jolley (“Ash”) and William Pitts (“Revelry”), and the delightful "Chasing Sunlight" by Cait Nishimura. McMurry Graduate Teaching Assistant Amber Sturdevant will also lead the Symphonic Band in Percy Grainger's setting of the English folk song "Green Bushes." Music from the movies will round out the program of both bands with the Symphonic Band performing music from "How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World,” and the Community band performing music from the pen of Danny Elfman, a collage of spooky music entitled "Music for a Darkened Theatre." Get the Program back to the top

	Spotlight Series: UW Wind Symphony Presents "Celebration" November 11, 2021, 7:30 p.m. BCPA Concert Hall ALSO, livestreaming at https://youtu.be/lIT8qRnQEPk Robert Belser, conductor Celebrate with us the return to live, full ensemble concerts with Bruce Broughton’s boisterous new overture, “Celebration;” Karel Husa’s fast-paced contemporary work, “Cheetah,” representing the mysterious cat and its noted speed; and Leonard Bernstein’s Danzon from “Fancy Free.” Get the Program back to the top

	Music in the Air: Songs of Love, Peace, & Praise November 13, 2021, 7:30 p.m. BCPA Concert Hall ALSO, livestreaming at: https://youtu.be/tw62JV7XJ0o Holly Dalrymple, conductor The University of Wyoming Singing Statesmen and Bel Canto choral ensembles share songs of love, peace, and praise. Get the Program back to the top

	Brass Chamber Recital November 15, 2021, 7:00 p.m. BCPA Concert Hall ALSO livestreaming at: https://youtu.be/GAO588MPv48 Featuring: UW Trumpet Ensemble, coached by David Wharton, playing “Durrenhorn Passage” by Kevin Mckee; UW Horn Trio, coached by Katherine Smith, playing Horn Trios, op. 82, No. 21, No. 19, and No. 22 by Anton Reicha; UW Trombone Choir, coached by Dan Watt, playing “Eaglehawk” by Eric Ewazen, “Elegy for Eldred” by Fredrick Taylor, “The Pink Panther” by Henry Mancini; The Cutthroat Brass, coached by David Wharton, playing “Canzona per Sonare No. 2” by Giovanni Gabrieli, and “Tittle” by Gerrit Worthington; The Laramie Chamber Artists, coached by David Wharton, playing “Three Pieces for Brass Quintet” by Ludwig Maurer; and UW Faculty Brass Quintet playing “Girl with the Flaxen Hair” by Claude Debussy, “Nice Work if You Can Get It” by George Gershwin, and “Over the Rainbow” by Harold Arlen; Get the Program back to the top

	UW Symphony: Salute the Heroes November 18, 2021, 7:30 p.m. In person at the BCPA Concert Hall Katherine Smith, French horn Paul Phillips, guest conductor ALSO, livestreaming at: https://youtu.be/Wxs61TWzTOk Program Valerie Coleman, Seven O’Clock Shout Paul Phillips, Wave Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Horn Concerto No. 3 Johannes Brahms, Symphony No. 1 We all appreciate the heroics of hospital workers this year. In Philadelphia, people gathered on apartment balconies and steps, daily cheering hospital staff at shift change. That made UW Symphony conductor Michael Griffith think about music and heroism. Since the time of Beethoven’s Eroica symphony, composers have written music to praise others. Can the UWSO put together a concert about heroes? Indeed, that’s just what audiences will hear at this performance. This new Philadelphia tradition inspired composer Valerie Coleman to write Seven O’Clock Shout, and the Philadelphia Orchestra premiered it a year ago. The piece starts with slow, inspiring trumpet solos; woodwinds play an expectant melody, and then the music breaks into a joyful dance, complete with clapping, shouts, and whistles – just like happened in Philly. Composer Paul Phillips also had some heroes in his life. After their passing, he was inspired to write Wave in their honor. The music moves in, yes, waves, reminiscent of Philip Glass’ minimalist music. A slower passage quotes Beethoven (a favorite of one of his heroes) and uses Thai gongs to salute another individual, a deeply spiritual person. Brahms is different. He was afraid to write a symphony, fearing he’d be compared unfavorably to Beethoven. “A symphony is no laughing matter,” Brahms wrote. “You have no idea what it’s like to hear the footsteps of a giant like that behind you.” When he finally wrote his first symphony, the audience could hear the struggle and eventual triumph. Beethoven’s last (and perhaps greatest) work was his Ninth Symphony. Brahms was so successful, his first was nicknamed Beethoven’s Tenth. To Dr. Griffith, Brahms is the hero of his own First Symphony. And thus, an entire concert of heroic music and heroic soloists. The concert will be led by guest conductor Paul Phillips, who is also the composer of Wave. Maestro Phillips is the Gretchen B. Kimball Director of Orchestral Studies and Associate Professor of Music at Stanford University, where he conducts the Stanford Symphony Orchestra and Stanford Philharmonia. He’s conducted over 75 orchestras, opera companies, choirs, and ballet troupes worldwide, including the San Francisco Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Netherlands Radio Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Choir, and Paul Taylor Dance Company, and led recordings with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, and Iceland Symphony Orchestra. Phillips studied conducting with Leonard Bernstein and has performed with Itzhak Perlman, Dizzy Gillespie, Dave Brubeck, and many other classical, jazz, and pop stars. Also an acclaimed composer, pianist, and scholar, he is the author of A Clockwork Counterpoint: The Music and Literature of Anthony Burgess and other writings on Burgess and Stravinsky. For further information, visit www.paulsphillips.com. An active performer and teacher, Katherine Marie Smith serves as Assistant Lecturer of Horn at the University of Wyoming and Casper College, Music Lecturer at LCCC, Principal Horn of the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra, Fourth Horn of the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra, Associate Principal Horn of Pro Musica Colorado, and has been on the sub lists of numerous orchestras around the country including the Colorado and Charlotte Symphony Orchestras and the Colorado Music Festival. In addition, Katherine has performed several concertos with orchestras around the country, spent a season with the North Carolina Symphony as Assistant Principal/Utility Horn, performed in Carnegie Hall seven times, performed with around twenty-five different chamber groups, including the award winning wind quintet 40th Parallel, and has gone on tour and appeared on the albums of several indie folk artists, including Gregory Alan Isakov. She is incredibly thrilled to have the opportunity to perform in such a variety of ensembles while also actively exercising her teaching skills in beautiful Wyoming and Colorado. Get the Program back to the top

	Spotlight Series: UW Collegiate Chorale, "Joyous Hope" December 5, 2021, 7:30 p.m. United Presbyterian Church 215 S. 11th St, Laramie, WY ALSO livestreaming at: https://youtu.be/yDnE8LreOZA Holly Dalrymple, conductor The University of Wyoming Collegiate Chorale explores the Hope of the Holiday season. Hope is Praise, Hope is Light, Hope is Community. Get the Program back to the top

	Gala Holiday Concerts: Rejoice Again December 11, 2021, 3:00 p.m. December 12, 2021, 7:30 p.m. BCPA Concert Hall ALSO livestreaming at: December 11 https://youtu.be/8U4Swmbla6g December 12 https://youtu.be/j2gjjmtZ7zo Dean Camellia Okpodu, narrator; UW Choruses, Holly Dalrymple & Brian Murray, conductors Rejoice Again: that’s the theme of UW’s Gala Holiday Concerts this year. After missing a year in 2020, the performers are thrilled to be back for this joyous holiday tradition. The concerts are Saturday and Sunday, December 11 and 12. To avoid conflicts with basketball games, the Saturday performance is at 3:00, and Sunday will start at 7:30. Masks are strongly encouraged. The performers will all be masked, and the first three rows will be kept empty to create space between singers and audience. The musicians are honored that the new Dean of UW’s College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Camellia Okpodu, will narrate. All UW choral ensembles (Collegiate Chorale, Bel Canto, Civic Chorus, Singing Statesmen, and Happy Jacks) will perform, as well as the Symphony Orchestra and the Wind Symphony. Robert Belser, Holly Dalrymple, Michael Griffith, and Brian Murray will conduct. The UW Wind Symphony will feature a fanfare written by conductor Robert Belser, Rejoice! composed for these Rejoice Again concerts as we with celebrate the return of live music. The band will also treat the audience to a Mannheim Steamroller arrangement of Carol of the Bells, and close with a bit of holiday Dixieland in When St. Nick Comes Marchin' In. The choirs will offer musical works by Maurice Duruflé, Morten Lauridsen, Felix Mendelssohn, and Antonio Vivaldi and traditional Latin texts: Gloria in Excelsis Deo, O Magnum Mysterium, and Tota Pulcha Es. Bel Canto will celebrate the Hannukah miracle with a contemporary Hebrew piece, Light the Legend. Familiar choral tunes include Brightest and Best, Wexford Carol, and I’ll Be Home for Christmas. The UWSO’s portion will begin with The Eight Candle, a Prayer and Dance for Hanukkah by Steve Reisteter. It starts with a beautiful Hebraic chant and ends with a wild, energetic dance. Then, joined by the combined choirs, they’ll perform We Need a Little Christmas from the Broadway musical Mame, and end with a traditional medley of holiday carols. At intermission and before the concert, a jazz combo and a bluegrass trio will entertain. Organist Punch Williamson will perform his traditional holiday suite for the departing audience. Tickets are only $12, or $6 for students and $8 for seniors. UW students are free, but must reserve a ticket. Call 766-6666 to order tickets, or pick yours up at the Buchanan Center or Student Union box offices, visit www.uwyo.edu/FineArts. These concerts are always favorites for audiences of all ages, so you are urged to get your tickets as soon as you can. Get the Program back to the top