The Twin Ports Wind Orchestra enjoyed hosting composer Johan de Meij on the February 23, 2008 Winter Concert. The concert program was as follows:
Aquarium - Johan de Meij
T-bone Concerto - Johan de Meij -Scott Anderson, trombone soloist
* La Fanciulla del West [Symphonic Suite from the Opera] - Giacomo Puccini/Arr. Johan de Meij
[USA première]
Loch Ness - Johan de Meij
The Twin Ports Wind Orchestra welcomed composer Philip Sparke to Duluth with a concert on Sunday, February 19th, 2006. Mr. Sparke conducted the group on two of his own compositions: Four Norfolk Dances and Music for a Festival. The composer is a London native who has earned commissions from the BBC and
performance groups from the U.S. Air Force Band to a wind orchestra in Tokyo. For more information on Philip Sparke, you may visit his website at: www.philipsparke.com
The Twin Ports Wind Orchestra along with the UMD Bands welcomed Dr. David R. Gillingham to the campus of UMD Thursday, November 3, 2005 through Saturday, November 5, 2005. In addition to speaking to various UMD music classes and area band directors, Dr. Gillingham conducted both the TPWO and the UMD Symphonic Wind Ensemble on Friday, November 4, 2005. Dr. Gillingham was brought to the UMD campus as a part of the 5th annual composer in residence program. Dr. Gillingham earned Bachelor and Master Degrees in Instrumental Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and the PhD in Music Theory/Composition from Michigan State University. Dr. Gillingham has an international reputation for the works he has written for band and percussion. Many of these works are now considered standards in the repertoire. You can find out more about Dr. Gillingham and his music at www.gillinghammusic.com
To kick off its 15th concert season, the Twin Ports Wind Orchestra welcomed Dr. Timothy Mahr back to the podium. Dr. Mahr, founder of the TPWO, conducted several pieces on the concert including two of his own compositions: Fanfare and Grand March and "Thanksgiving Meditation" from Festivals. Dr. Mahr is currently a professor of music at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, where he is the conductor of the St. Olaf Band and teaches courses in composition, conducting and music education.
At the first meeting of the 2005-2006 concert season, the Board of Directors has agreed upon changing the name of the Twin Ports Wind Ensemble to Twin Ports Wind Orchestra. According to board president Bob Gilmore, "careful consideration was given to changing the name. Much time was spent discussing the change which included soliciting ideas and opinions from the entire performing group."
On the Winter Concert, the TPWO was joined by
special guest artist, James Gourlay. Mr. Gourlay performed as a
tuba soloist on several of the concert selections. As a soloist
and chamber musician, James Gourlay has won international acclaim.
He is a former member of the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble and has
toured the World performing concertos with major orchestras and
giving countless recitals. Currently, James Gourlay continues his
lifelong dedication to music education with guest-teaching engagements
in Lyon, Weimar, the Eastman School of Music, the Juilliard School
and the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. He is Head of Wind
and Percussion at the Royal Northern College of Music, where he
been awarded an honorary Fellowship.
Mr. Steven Bryant, Mr. Jonathan Newman and Mr. James Bonney from
BCM International were on the campus of UMD on October 28-30, 2005.
They worked with the Twin Ports Wind Orchestra as well as UMD Bands
and the 2004 Senior High Honor Bands. The TPWO had the opportunity
to work with these three composers during the Thursday rehearsal
as well as on the Friday, October 29 Festival Performance.
Visit the BCM International web site at
http://www.bcminternational.com
University
of Minnesota - Duluth Music Department
University
of Wisconsin - Superior Music Department
Minnesota
Symphonic Winds
The Twin Ports Wind Orchestra, a non-profit organization,
is a part of the University of Minnesota - Duluth outreach program.
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TPWO welcomes Timothy Mahr for its "Celebration" concert...