Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY) Presents Wind Songs in Review
The University of Mississippi Concert Singers; Don Trott, Conductor; Richard Culpepper, collaborative pianist;
Amador Valley High School Wind Ensemble; Jonathan Richard Grantham, Director; Patrick Dandrea, Assistant Director;
Rancho Bernardo High School; Zachary Christy, Director of Orchestras; Duane Otani, Director of Bands
Stern Auditorium, Carnegie Hall, New York, NY
April 8, 2018
As one has come to expect from Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY), they put on another large-scale celebration of music this weekend, as usual with a variety of styles, and as always, with emotions running high among performers and audience alike. How does DCINY do it? That is partly a rhetorical question, but part of the answer lies in the fact that they are not afraid of the words “college” and “high school” on some of their choral and orchestral programs, frequently alongside professionals of all ages, including world-famous musicians. After all, some of the most passionate, dedicated ensembles come from the ranks of the young, and for anyone disappointed in “youth today” (said with curmudgeonly grumble), such DCINY concerts are a sure remedy. The firepower from the stage on this occasion was matched by the palpable love from the audience.
Sunday’s concert included choral music in the first half, namely the University of Mississippi Concert Singers, and wind ensemble music after intermission – first from the Amador Valley High School Wind Ensemble from Northern California, and then a wind ensemble from the Rancho Bernardo High School from Southern California.
These multi-institutional concerts can include an overwhelming number of works with printed programs containing much information to relay, so this reviewer will share high points and not necessarily in order. For readers interested in seeing the full program notes as they appeared for this concert, they are available here for download: Program Notes- Wind Songs
The first half was impressive to say the least. The University of Mississippi Concert Singers, an auditioned ensemble under the direction of Don Trott is of an extremely high caliber. Renowned composer Eric Whitacre, who has worked with them, stated that “conducting this chorus is like driving a Ferrari,” and that is no joke. They launched the program with a rousing gospel arrangement (by Shawn Kirchner) of Unclouded Day by Rev. J. K. Alwood (1828-1909) and set the tone for the evening with high energy. The energy was no less intense (although quieter!) in the hallowed piece Taaveti laul (from Psalms of David) Estonian Cyrillus Kreek (1889-1962). A stunning setting of Psalm 104, it was a highlight of the program for this listener. It was interestingly one of several gems selected from the Baltic countries, the others being Augu Nakti, a sprightly folk piece with a feeling of seven-eight meter by Latvian Valts Pūce (b. 1962), the more tonally challenging Kanarbik (From Sügismaastikud –Autumn Landscapes) by Estonian Veljo Tormis (b. 1930-2017), and the luminous Magnificat from Latvian Ēriks Ešenvalds (b. 1977), with Brady Bramlett supplying the lovely solo part. These were all wonderful selections that deserve to be heard more often and were expertly done. Clearly there is musical gold being mined from the Baltic region.
Along with the opening spiritual, there was other Americana woven into the program, including Great Day by Warren Martin (1916-1982), which featured well done solos from Sergio Vergara, Dylan Fink, and Carley Wilemon, and the rousing gospel song Hold On! by Eugene Simpson (b. 1932), which was especially powerful at the tricky-to-tune high-pitched Picardy third ending! It was a joy also to hear Sinner, Please Don’t Let This Harvest Pass by William Grant Still (1895-1978) who is enjoying something closer to the recognition he has long deserved, with much thanks to his daughter. Incidentally, as one wanders through the gallery of framed manuscripts at Carnegie Hall, there is one by William Grant Still, a snippet from a symphony that Still himself once noted had not been played there in his lifetime. Here’s to at least partial straightening old scores (no pun intended)!
It would almost be conspicuous to omit Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) during this centennial year, and Gloria In Excelsis from his Mass (edited by Doreen Rao) was a good addition by “Ole Miss.” It was given a strong rhythmic energy with the help of collaborative pianist Richard Culpepper, who lent fine support throughout the evening.
These offerings were rounded out by two more selections on youthful themes, including the sweetly touching “coming of age” music, Flight Song, by Norwegian Kim André Arnesen (b. 1980), with Debra Spurgeon ably taking the podium as guest conductor, and All of Us, by Craig Hella Johnson (b. 1962), a moving remembrance of Matthew Shepard, who was tragically murdered in 1998. A vocal trio of Lacey Hindman, Melanie Culhane, Caitlin Richardson gave added luster to a rendition that, despite such a tragic subject, finished with a spirit of affirmation.
DCINY’s ensembles often feature such music of special timely relevance, and the second half of wind music after intermission was no exception. The two wind ensembles were the Amador Valley High School Wind Ensemble under Jonathan Richard Grantham for most works, followed by the final group of the evening, the Rancho Bernardo High School.
We heard Michael Markowski (b. 1986) City Trees, dedicated to the Lesbian and Gay Band Association, and honoring in the composer’s words “the unique challenges my friends have faced and had to overcome.” We heard the highly dramatic work, Testament, by David Maslanka (1943-2017) – with winds, brass, and percussion especially powerful the roar of pain and war.
As if afraid to let things get too dark, we had several kinds of levity in alternation. The Amador winds opened with Louis-Aimé Maillart (1817-1871) The Dragoons of Villars Overture (arr. Clifford Barnes) – pure flashy fun, in an Offenbach sort of way, and clearly fun for these young players. Following the Markowski, we heard Shepherd’s Hey of Percy Grainger (1882-1961, arr. Rogers) with Patrick Dandrea, taking the podium with spirit and returning it to Mr. Grantham, who ably resumed with the lion’s share. For more comic relief we heard The Roosters Lay Eggs in Kansas by Mayhew Lake (1879-1955), complete with duck calls and other silly fun.
The final group from Rancho Bernardo High School also played selections with solemn notes. Under their Director of Orchestras, Zachary Christy, they opened with Fanfare – The Benefaction from Sky and Mother Earth by Satoshi Yagisawa (b. 1975), with the percussion section in full force (albeit a bit overwhelming for the upper winds at times), and following, under Duane Otani, Director of Bands, was An American Elegy by Frank Ticheli (b. 1958). Despite being written to honor the victims of Columbine High School in 1999, it was spacious and regal. As the composer wrote, “It is offered as a tribute to their great strength and courage in the face of a terrible tragedy.”
As the final hurrah of the evening Mr. Otani led his winds in Armenian Dances by Alfred Reed (1921-2005) a brisk and colorful set, played tautly and with vigor.
All in all, it was a heartwarming and inspiring evening. Kudos to all involved!
