World Premiere of Humboldt Composer’s “Fallen Heroes”

The world premiere of Fallen Heroes, a work for orchestra and chorus composed by HSU professor emeritus Dr. Jim Stanard, will highlight the combined winter performances of the Humboldt Symphony, Humboldt Chorale and the University Singers.

There will be two performances—on Friday, December 7 and Sunday, December 9, both in Fulkerson Recital Hall beginning at 8 PM.

“Dr. Stanard taught vocal music at HSU for many years prior to his retirement in 2006,” said Humboldt Symphony conductor Paul Cummings. “He has used poetry from the Civil War as the text, in creating a memorial to fallen soldiers.”

“The work is composed for full orchestra with mixed choir,” he noted, “ and there will be over 150 performers on stage for this piece.”

The chorus is comprised of the Humboldt Chorale, directed by Carol Ryder, and the University Singers, directed by Harley Muilenburg.

Before Fallen Heroes caps the evening, the Humboldt Symphony orchestra will play the Hungarian March by Hector Berlioz, Concerto Grosso Opus 6 #4 by Arcangelo Corelli and Finlandia by Jean Sibelius.

The Hungarian March is one of the better known pieces by Berlioz, and was so popular when first performed in 1846 that he included it in his opera, The Damnation of Faust. Corelli’s Concerto Grosso, written late in his career, is considered to be among the finest examples of the baroque style.

Findlandia is also one of the best known compositions of Sibelius, a symphonic poem written as a patriotic statement in favor of Finnish independence from Russia in 1900. It contains the “Findlandia Hymn” which was adopted for the tune of a Christian hymn, and has been heard on movie soundtracks.

The combined concert by the Humboldt Symphony, Humboldt Chorale and University Singers will be performed at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on Friday, December 7 and Sunday, December 9. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students and seniors, from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. HSU students free with ID.