UW Wind Symphony to Present New Symphony for Band Nov. 12

Was it the gods’ retaliation and their power to create havoc, or was it Odysseus’ arrogance?

The new symphony for band by composer John Mackey, “Wine-Dark Sea,” will be performed by the University of Wyoming Wind Symphony Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts concert hall. The program is free and open to the public.

Bob Belser, UW Wind Symphony director and a professor in the Department of Music, says of the symphony:

“It allows the listener to decide first by hitting the ears with a triumphal march, then through a wanton bacchanal as Odysseus and his Greek warriors -- after winningly ‘horsing around’ with the Trojans -- pillage and loot every settlement on their way to the sea, to the downward bending of pitches by the trombones aptly depicting the sinking and drowning of the crew, courtesy of Zeus and Poseidon.”

The UW band also will play some of the top favorites of music lovers, opening with Shostakovich’s “Festive Overture”; Grainger’s “Gum-suckers March”; and perhaps one of the all-time popular pieces for wind band, Holst’s “Suite in Eb.”

The Wind Symphony performs a variety of music from classic band repertory to premieres of new music, including works written by UW composition students.

In his 21st year leading the UW bands, Belser is active as a guest conductor for all-state and district honor bands throughout the country, as well as a featured clinician for conducting symposia.

The UW bands include the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Community Band, the popular Western Thunder Marching Band and the various pep bands that contribute to the excitement of UW athletics throughout the year.