The Washington Wind Symphony: In Honor Of

Kimberly Archer — Symphony No. 3 "For David"
Alfred Reed — El Camino Real
Percy Grainger — Handel in the Strand
Julie Giroux — One Life Beautiful
Leonard Bernstein — West Side Story (selection)

The Washington Wind Symphony will present our final program of the season, "In Honor Of", Sunday, June 12 at the Redmond Performing Arts Center. Our music director, Jacob Scherr has created a program that celebrates this season of dads, grads, and others deserving of our recognition. You'll hear:

- Symphony No. 3 (for David Maslanka), by Kimberly K. Archer – This dynamic work was commissioned in 2007 by the Central High School Wind Ensemble in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Archer was inspired by one of her mentors, renowned American composer David Maslanka, who died in 2017. She is currently professor of composition at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.

- El Camino Real, by Alfred Reed -- Composed in 1985, El Camino Real was commissioned by, and dedicated to, the 581st Air Force Band and its commander, Lt. Col. Ray E. Toler. Reed, a prolific American composer, conductor and educator, subtitled this piece "A Latin Fantasy." According to Reed, "The music is based on a series of chord progressions common to countless generations of Spanish flamenco guitarists, whose fiery style and brilliant playing have captivated millions of music lovers throughout the world."

- Handel in the Strand, by Percy Aldridge Grainger – Grainger dedicated this composition to his dear friend, Gair Rathbone. The "Strand" is a street in London that is the home of musical comedy. While writing the piece, Grainger imagined, "…as if jovial old Handel were careering down the Strand to the strains of Modern English popular music."

- One Life Beautiful, by Julie Giroux – Written in 2010 in memory of Heather Cramer Reu, her family commissioned American composer and pianist Giroux to honor Heather after a tragic accident cut her life short. With its gentle harmonies and sympathetic phrases, Giroux attempts to capture the fragility of life and what makes it so precious.

You’'l hear these works plus an audience favorite from West Side Story, so be sure to join us in the comfortable Redmond Performing Arts Center. We can’t wait to play for you!

COVID-19 guidelines: Please check the Washington Wind Sympony website for updated guidelines in accordance with local government and Lake Washington School District. These requirements are subject to change.

About Washington Wind Symphony

http://www.washingtonwindsymphony.org/