The Washington Wind Symphony presents “Light from Within” on Sunday, December 17th!

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What better way to get into a happy, holiday mood than taking in this collection of heart-warming wind band music at Redmond’s Robertson Performing Arts Center? Our music director Jacob Scherr has curated a symphonic collection of seasonal favorites to brighten your December Sunday. You’ll hear:

*   “Minor Alterations,” by David Lovrien — Listen carefully for your favorite Christmas carols within this tasteful compilation, which Lovrien has cleverly tailored into minor keys. From the distinctive “Deck the Halls” at the start to the final, frenzied “Nutcracker Suite” finale, each tune is lovingly twisted into something new and inventive.

*  “Bach’s Fugue à la Gigue” — by Johann Sebastian Bach (trans. Gustav Holst; ed. Jon Ceander Mitchell) — In 1928, Holst set about scoring Bach’s “Organ Fugue in G Major” for brass and military band, then branded it with his own title. This technically demanding piece draws in listeners with its mesmerizing interweaving of musical lines. 

*  “Russian Christmas Music,” by Alfred Reed — The late American composer Alfred Reed was just 23 when he was commissioned to write this stirring tribute to promote Russian-American unity — and he completed it in just 14 days. First performed near the end of World War II and immensely popular among wind ensemble fans, its dramatic Tchaikovsky-esque finale alone is worth the price of admission!

*  “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” by Albert Hague and Eugene Poddany (arr. Larry Clark) — Melding the songs “Welcome Christmas” with “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” the composers honor Dr. Seuss’ 1966 TV animated musical comedy classic by the same name. Sit back and enjoy the fun memories conjured up by this timeless, familiar music.

*  “Halcyon Hearts,” by Katahj Copley — Written to denote the moment of peace when one finds their love or passion, this work is especially poignant today in today’s world. “No matter what race, gender, religion, nationality or love, we all are united with the common thread of passion from the heart. This piece was written in dedication to those who love no matter which negativity is in the world; do not allow hate and prejudice to guide the way we live our lives. Always choose love and the halcyon days will come.” — From the Composer

*  “The Eighth Candle,” by Steve Reisteter — Composed in 1997 by a Roman Catholic inspired by Aaron Copland, this piece remembers the story of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. It begins with an extended hymn-like section followed by an exciting dance of celebration. Finally, the feast commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian-Greek tyrant Antiochus over 2,180 years ago. Legend has it that, after the battles were won, there was only enough oil for the ceremonial lights to last for one day. Yet by some miracle, the oil lasted for eight days.

We hope you’ll take a break from your busy holiday schedule to join us for this heartwarming concert. Be sure to buy tickets in advance to reserve your comfortable seat in the Robertson Performing Arts Center, go to our website for more information. or visit any of our social media pages to Like, Subscribe, and Share!

Tickets:

Adults: $15.00 | Senior: $10.00 | Students/Youth: FREE

Location:

Robertson Performing Arts Center @ Redmond High School

17272 NE 104th St, Redmond, WA 98052

WWS in Concert

Announcing the Washington Wind Symphony 2022-2023 Concert Season!

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The Washington Wind Symphony is proud to announce our 2022-2023 concert season! We look forward to seeing you in the Redmond Performing Arts Center for a full four concert season!

  • Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 2:00 pm
  • Sunday, February 5, 2023 at 2:00 pm
  • Saturday, April 8, 2023 at 2:00 pm
  • Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 2:00 pm

the Washington Wind Symphony 2022-2023 Concert Season

Poster for concert "A New Dawn"

A New Dawn

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The Washington Wind Symphony presents “A New Dawn”

The Washington Wind Symphony is so excited to perform live again, we decided to waive admission! To celebrate our long-awaited return to the stage, we’re making this special concert free to all. Come celebrate our emergence from the pandemic as we present “A New Dawn,” conducted by our music director, Jacob Scherr. You’ll hear:

* Children’s March: Over the Hills and Far Away, by Percy Grainger — Penned in 1919 in honor of Grainger’s Scandinavian companion, Karen Holt, with whom he shared a long-distance relationship during the first decade of the twentieth century, this beloved composition is recognized as one of the most original and essential pieces of the wind band literature.

* Of Our New Day Begun, by Omar Thomas — This somber piece pays homage to those who died on June 17, 2015, while worshiping in the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Striving to express the pain, anger, grace, and forgiveness demonstrated by the victims’ families, Thomas anchored his composition with James and John Johnson’s time-honored song, Lift Every Voice and Sing, and peppered it with blues harmonies and melodies. Singing, stomping, and clapping are also prominent features of this work, a nod to traditional Black worship services.

* The Promise of Living, by Aaron Copland, arr. James Curnow — Transparent and chamber-like at its onset, Copland dramatically introduces the folk song Zion’s Walls, as the melodies unfold and intertwine until the composition builds to its dramatic climax. Follow the rise and fall of the melody as the woodwinds gradually interject to create a sense of lyrical dialog within the band.

* First Suite in E-flat, by Gustav Holst, rev. Colin Matthews — Completed in 1909, Holst’s legendary suite didn’t receive its official premiere until 11 years later on June 23rd, 1920, by an ensemble of 165 musicians at the Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall. This popular work is considered a masterpiece of wind band writing, sounding as fresh and original today as the day it was written.

Please join us on April 3 and enjoy these works and more in the comfortable Redmond Performing Arts Center. We can’t wait to play for you!