UW Wind Symphony Presents ‘Festivals and Meditations’ Sept. 25

The University of Wyoming’s Wind Symphony, directed by Matthew Schlomer, celebrates the power of music to unite across centuries, cultures and continents with its concert, “Festivals and Meditations,” Thursday, Sept. 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts concert hall.

Tickets are available at www.tix.com/ticket-sales/uwyo/6984, in person at the Performing Arts box office or at (307) 766-6666. The box office open Monday-Friday noon-6 p.m. and one hour before performances.

The concert will feature a diverse program that highlights the ability of music to bridge artistic traditions and unify both temporally and culturally.

The concert opens with Kathryn Salfelder’s evocative “Cathedrals,” a work that uses sound to explore architectural spaces and their spiritual weight. The performance continues with Vincent Persichetti’s monumental “Symphony for Band, Symphony no. 6,” a pillar of the wind band repertoire that pushes the boundaries of the medium with its expressive depth.

Adding a contemporary flair to the evening is John Adams’ energetic work “Lollapalooza,” arranged by James Spinazzola, a nod to the iconic music festival that demonstrates how modern music continues the tradition of festival celebrations.

The journey through time and place continues with John Philip Sousa’s classic march “Nobles of the Mystic Shrine,” which connects audiences to the rich history of American band music, reflecting traditions passed down through generations. The program also features a reflective interlude with Leonard Bernstein’s “A Simple Song,” offering a moment of quiet meditation.

The evening concludes with Jeff Tyzik’s vibrant “Three Latin Dances,” a fiery and rhythmic work that transports listeners to another continent and celebrates the festive spirit of global music.