UPEI Wind Symphony remembers Sandy Hook Tragedy
The UPEI Wind Symphony will present its final recital of the fall semester today at 7:30 p.m. at the Confederation Centre of the Arts’ Homburg Theatre.
Under the direction of Karem J. Simon, the symphony will present “Into the Silent Land” as the centrepiece of its programming. This profoundly emotional work reflects on the Dec. 14, 2012, tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Sandy Hook, Conn., where 20 children and six educators were killed by a gunman. Written by American Steve Danyew, who attended this school for grades 3-5, “Into the Silent Land” is both a funeral march and a lament. It communicates the grief felt by the families of lost ones. Danyew incorporates an excerpt from Christina Rossetti’s poem “Remember,” which will be narrated by Johanna Forbes, an 11year old Grade 6 student from Spring Park Elementary School in Charlottetown.
Among other works will be Gustav Holst’s “First Suite in E flat”, one of the signature works of the wind band repertoire. Oscar’s Navarro's piece, “The Fly,” will also be performed. It is a highly descriptive and entertaining work.
The soloist for this recital is Dale Sorensen, UPEI’s new brass professor. He will also be featured in Guilmant’s “Morceau Symphonique”, which exploits the tonal, technical and expressive elements of the trombone.
The UPEI Wind Symphony has received favourable reviews from all three of its presentations of this program this fall in Summerside, Halifax and New Glasgow, D.S.
Admission is $15 for adults; $10 for students. Tickets may be purchased in person at the Confederation Centre Box Office, online at boxoffice.confederationcentre.com, or by phone at 1-800-565-0278.