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The Muskingum Valley Symphonic Winds opens the 2023-2024 with a performance of “Living Music,” a concert of works by living composers, on Sunday, October 29 at 3 p.m. in Brown Chapel on the campus of Muskingum University. The program will feature works by living composers and that represent a wide variety of styles. Featured soloist for the opening concert is Justin White, Artist Affiliate Instructor of tuba and euphonium at Muskingum University, performing Capriccio by Michael Forbes. The inspiration for the works on the program is as varied as the repertoire itself—most of the works were commissioned by different organizations, and some of the pieces were written to celebrate a special occasion. Sometimes music is composed to honor the passing of someone. There are two such works on the program—”I Am,” by Andrew Boysen, Jr. was composed to celebrate the life of a high school band member in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and “Requiem for the Unarmed,” by Kevin Day, was composed in memory of George Floyd, whose killing in the summer of 2020 fueled protests against police violence across the nation. Other composers on the program include Jack Stamp, Julie Giroux, Brian Balmages, and John Mackey.
The Muskingum Valley Symphonic Winds, a partnership between Muskingum University and the southeastern Ohio region, is comprised of local professional and amateur musicians, in addition to Muskingum students, faculty, and staff. Partially funded by the Ohio Arts Council, the Muskingum Valley Symphonic Winds relies on patrons and donors to fund its musical activities, so donations will be accepted at the concert. The Symphonic Winds performs a three concert season each academic year and has also performed as part of the Celebrate New Concord summer concert series and the Salt Fork Arts and Crafts Festival. The Symphonic Winds are under the direction of Dr. David Turrill, Associate Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Muskingum University.
The concert is free and open to the public, but donations will be accepted at the concert. For more information, contact the Muskingum University Music Department at 740-826-8095 or music@muskingum.edu
