The University of Wyoming Wind Symphony and treble chorus Bel Canto will perform “Cosmosis” Saturday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts concert hall.
The University of Wyoming Wind Symphony, conducted by Matthew Schlomer, and treble
chorus Bel Canto, conducted by O’Neil Jones, will perform “Cosmosis” Saturday, April
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/event/1466259, in person or at (307) 766-6666 at the Performing Arts box office, Monday through
Friday, noon-6 p.m. and one hour before performances.
“Cosmosis” explores the ancient human yearning for answers -- from the spiritual realm
to the far side of the moon. The program is designed as a seamless journey, blending
choral and instrumental works to evoke wonder and introspection.
Bel Canto opens the program with Kim André Arnesen’s “Even When He is Silent,” a poignant
choral work inspired by text found on a concentration camp wall -- offering a message
of profound hope. Following, the UW Wind Symphony will perform the Wyoming premiere
of Roger Zare’s “Deep Underground,” an energetic piece depicting particle physics
and the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment. Bel Canto then returns with Craig Hella
Johnson’s reflective 2006 setting of Emily Dickinson’s poem “Will There Really Be
a ‘Morning?’” And the UW Percussion Ensemble makes an appearance with Alan Mackwell’s
“Asteroid,” a dramatic work echoing the cosmic energy of the solar system.
The UW Wind Symphony will continue with the Wyoming premiere of Pierre Jalbert’s “Saxophone
Concerto,” featuring acclaimed soloist Timothy McAllister in a technical and melodic
showcase. Hailed by The New York Times as “one of the foremost saxophonists of his
generation,” McAllister is a Grammy-winning member of the PRISM Quartet and professor
of saxophone at the University of Michigan. McAllister has premiered over 300 works
and performed with the New York Philharmonic and Berlin Philharmonic.
Bel Canto then will perform “Origins” by Brian Balmages (2024), a vibrant choral work
exploring themes of creation and humanity, followed by the UW Percussion Ensemble
performing Asher Dobrin’s “Dimming Activities,” a nuanced exploration of percussive
timbre. Bel Canto returns with the world premiere of Blake Clawson’s “Elegy for the
Trees” (December 2025), a poignant reflection on nature and ecological loss.
The concert concludes with two combined performances by Bel Canto and the UW Wind
Symphony. First is the Wyoming premiere of Susan Botti’s “Cosmosis” (2016), a multi-movement,
ethereal exploration of gravity, space, risk and discovery inspired by the science-themed
poetry of Mary Swenson. The piece features soloist Lauren Lestage, a versatile performer
and co-founder of Cantare Montibus, who frequently performs with the Colorado Ballet
and Central City Opera. Finally, the ensembles will present Addison Hill’s “When the
Stars Began to Fall” (2026), a powerful new arrangement of the traditional spiritual
“My Lord What a Morning” that highlights the themes of reflection and hope.
For more information, call Schlomer at (414) 507-1024 or email mschlom1@uwyo.edu.
