USM Concert Band, Symphonic Winds, & Wind Ensemble Concerts Set for Oct. 7 & 8

Wed, 10/02/2019 - 12:55pm | By: Mike Lopinto

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) School of Music proudly presents its first ensemble concerts of the 2019-2020 season with performances by the Concert Band, Symphonic Winds, and the Wind Ensemble on Oct. 7 and 8. Both concerts are free and will be held in Bennett Auditorium on the Hattiesburg campus.

On Oct. 7, Symphonic Winds and Concert Band will perform at 8 p.m. Making his conducting debut at USM is Dr. Travis Higa, the School of Music’s new Assistant Director of Bands.

“Along with the traditional repertoire, the group will be performing newer pieces,” said Higa. “It provides students with an opportunity to learn and grow as well as provide audience members with an enjoyable listening experience.”

Afterwards, the Symphonic Winds open their portion of the concert with “Zampa Overture”, a powerhouse overture which is one of the more famous works by the composer Hérold. The group will then feature our Assistant Professor of Oboe, Dr. Galit Kaunitz, who will perform Ferrer Ferran’s oboe concerto entitled “The Magic Forest”. Other works to be performed are Gershwin’s “Second Prelude” (conducted by DMA student Brandon Jenkins), “Amarito Roca”, and “Funa Uta”.

On Oct. 8, the USM Wind Ensemble will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. performing “Casta Diva” from Norma, Puccini’s “Vissi D’Arte” from Tosca, and “Yiddish Dances” (conducted by DMA student Beth Taylor). The Wind Ensemble will also premiere “Kalos Eidos (Kaleidoscope)” by composer Carol Brittin Chambers. Special guest artists Fabio Angelo Colajanni, flute, and Angela Nicoli, soprano, will perform the two arias.

“This concert will present a ‘Kaleidoscope’ of music from around the world,” said Director of Bands Dr. Catherine Rand.

Angela Nicoli graduated with honors at the Rome Conservatory of music S. Cecilia in “Musical disciplines” with teacher Rebecca Berg. Nicoli has won first place as singer in the Teatro dell ‘Opera of Roma and the Primo Premio Assoluto del 2nd Sacred Music International Competition.

Fabio Angelo Colajanni has been the winner of several national and international competitions such as E. Krakamp, City of Ovada, and V. Bucchi. Colajanni also has recorded for various companies such as Naxos, Sony, Stradivarius, and Warner Classic.

For more information, contact Dr. Catherine Rand at (601) 266-4990.