Cascade Winds Present Its Spring Concert Series

Posted on 05/06/08

The Cascade Winds Symphonic Band will present the final concerts of its 2007-08 season June 1 and 2, under the direction of guest conductor Suzanne Mudge. The Sunday concert will begin at 2:00 p.m. and the Monday performance at 7:30 p.m., both at Summit High School auditorium. These concerts are free of charge, although donations are gratefully accepted.

This season artistic director Michael Gesme and the Cascade Winds have arranged for three exciting guest conductors to lead the group in its concert series. Our third guest conductor, Suzanne Mudge, is an active trombonist, conductor and educator. She currently performs with the Central Oregon Symphony, teaches band at Seven Peaks School and High Lakes Elementary and maintains a private studio. She performs annually with the Carmel Bach Festival and while living in the Bay area was principal trombonist with of the Modesto Symphony and the Women's Philharmonic, founded the Seraphim Brass Quintet and toured with the Band of the Golden West.

The Cascade Winds Spring Concert will feature works with interesting literary, film, and historical connections that have a wide variety of styles, sonic experiences, humor and satire. Ride was conceived by the composer Samuel Hazo as he followed, in his car, a fellow composer with a "lead foot" to his home on the country roads of Pennsylvania. This crazy and fast drive becomes a wild musical ride, with shifting meters and tonal centers, all at breakneck speed.

Norman Dello Joio subtitled his Satiric Dances "for a comedy by Aristophanes".  As satire and wit are so prevalent in the works of the Greek poet, Dello Joio's music brings these traits to musical life through sudden dynamic contrasts, melodic and harmonic chromaticism, and a touch of Mediterranean folk character.  The ensemble will take another turn in mood and style when they perform Serenade Romantic, a work of lyrical and flowing style by composer Joseph Turrin.  It is such a gorgeous piece that one may be amazed that this same composer scored the film Nightmare on Elm Street III.

Perhaps the most interesting work on the program is a suite of film music from The Red Pony by Aaron Copland.  The music has that "Western" sound, one of pastoral, wide open spaces, as well as a gentle, fresh, and transparent quality. It beautifully captures the warmth, emotions, and sensitivity of the characters in their ranch setting.

These concerts are free, open to the public and suitable for all ages. For more information, www.cascadewinds.org or Jan Tuckerman 593-1635.

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