Festive Overture: Wind Ensemble Begins Second Year

The North Coast Wind Ensemble begins its second year with a concert of festive orchestral music and wind band classics at Fulkerson Hall on Saturday, November 21.

Conducted by Kenneth Ayoob, the North Coast Wind Ensemble gathers some of the best wind and percussion players on the North Coast. The ensemble is “dedicated to performing the best of the wind band repertoire regardless of genre,” Ayoob asserts, “and strives to present entertaining and thought-provoking concerts to the North Coast.”

The November 21 concert features adaptations of orchestral works: “The Festive Overture” by Dmitri Shostakovich, and “La Procession Du Rocio” by early 20th century Spanish composer Joaquin Turina.

Band music is a wind ensemble staple, so the program includes selections by two American and two British composers. “Sinfonia No. 4” is by contemporary American Walter Hartley, and “Symphonic Songs for Band” is by Robert Russell Bennett, best known for his orchestrations of classic Broadway and Hollywood musicals.

“First Suite for Military Band” by Gustav Holst and “Toccata Marziale” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, both distinguished 20th century British composers, complete the evening.

The North Coast Wind Ensemble performs on Saturday November 21 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $5 general, $2 students and seniors from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Kenneth Ayoob, conductor.

Media: Arcata Eye, Humboldt State Now.