Instrumental Showcase Drums Up American Compositions

Enjoy an evening of moving music with BYU’s Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Chamber Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra

Music is in the air this fall as BYU’s Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Chamber Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra prepare for their onstage debut with the Instrumental Showcase. 

This year, the annual concert will feature music from great American composers like Eric Ewazen, George Gershwin, Aaron Copland and others.

Philharmonic Orchestra director Kory Katseanes said that the program has a “mix of interesting pieces” that will appeal to a broad audience.

Shawn Smith, who directs the Wind Symphony, said that the music selection for the symphony’s pieces was partly inspired by the 20th anniversary of 9/11. “I thought it would be fitting to perform Ewazen’s moving tribute to those that lost their lives on that dreadful day and to those that had to find a way to carry on,” he said. 

The Instrumental Showcase is Smith’s first concert with the Wind Symphony and said that it has already been “a marvelous experience!”

“I consider myself extremely fortunate to work with these students who are not just outstanding musicians, but also great people,” he commented.

The concert will give audiences a sneak peek into what the rest of the semester’s performances will be like. During the fall, audiences can attend performances that will feature all genres of music, from classical to modern, as well as pieces by talented composers like Eric Whitacre and Alfred Reed.

“We hope that they’ll enjoy each [piece] so much they’ll want to come [again],” said Katseanes. 

Smith said that he hopes audiences will form an emotional connection with the music the bands and orchestras perform at the showcase. “Each audience member can have a unique experience through the music based on their own personal history with struggles and trials,” he said. “This music is for all of us.”

Join BYU’s premiere bands and orchestras on September 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the de Jong Concert Hall. Tickets are available at arts.byu.edu.