TWU’s Concert Band and Orchestra will pay homage to Haydn later this month with a pair of concerts in Langley and Abbotsford. Pieces by Brahms, Shostakovich, Weber, and Saint-Saëns round out the program.
The orchestra will perform Haydn’s Symphony No. 101, “The Clock,” in its entirety, from the famous “tick-tock” slow movement to the swift, difficult finale, which clocks in at a mere four and a half minutes.
“There’s more to “Papa” Haydn than first meets the ear,” notes Dr. Allan Thorpe, Director of Instrumental Activities for SAMC.
“It’s been a privilege for our musicians to explore this symphony, which shows several sides to the composer—all in a single, masterful work.”
The Concert Band portion will open with an arrangement of Haydn’s Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken, a joyful blending of the well-known Austrian hymn and a brass fanfare.
This hymn tune eventually became the German national anthem. Later in the evening is Fantasies on a Theme by Haydn, a work that takes a tune from the composer and fragments it into a marvellous kaleidoscope of sound.
Norman Dello Joio’s varied piece is a treasure trove of other clever musical allusions as well, both classical and contemporary.
“It’s an invigorating program which will highlight the many sections of our concert band and orchestra, while also featuring the organs of the churches in which we perform,” adds Thorpe.
“Saint-Saëns’ organ symphony will give us the opportunity to showcase that instrument alongside our concert band.”
For full concert information, visit www.twu.ca/samc.
Events at a Glance
Date: Friday, Nov. 18
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Place: Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Langley
Admission: by donation ($5 suggested)
Date: Friday, Nov. 25
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Place: Peace Lutheran Church, Abbotsford
Contact: Shayna Leenstra p: 604-5132173 or Shayna.Leenstra@twu.ca.
