Los Angeles Pierce Symphonic Winds

This performance of the ballet suite “The Statue” by Charles Fernandez will be the first time this work has been performed, in its present setting, outside of Los Angeles. Originally written for orchestra and recorded by London’s Royal Philharmonic, the work has been recast to include the last three movements of the original suite. Revised by Mr. Fernandez from Joseph Hebert’s wind band arrangement, “The Statue” is an important addition to the wind band literature. Mr. Fernandez, a highly respected Emmy award winning composer and arranger for television and motion pictures, is also the co- principal bassoonist of the Los Angeles Symphonic Winds. His exciting and engaging compositional style has its roots in the film music of Korngold, Steiner, Newman and Williams, as well as the classical styles of Holst and Prokofiev.

Rosa Parks Boulevard has been widely heard throughout the USA during the past year, due in part to the fact that Ms. Parks, one of America’s greatest civil rights icons, recently passed away. It is another one of Michael Daugherty’s innovative works for concert band, and it features three trombones – representing the sermon sounds of a Detriot preacher—in a unique solo role. David Jackson, professor of trombone at the University of Michigan, is our principal soloist.

Jungle by Austrian composer Thomas Doss, is distributed exclusively by de Haske and is published by Mitropa. This unique work is great fun for both the players and the listeners as it explores, in a mini tone poem format, an exciting and dangerous jungle adventure.

A Gershwin Fantasy is a beautiful and exciting setting of Gershwin’s most well known melodies. Saxophone virtuoso Dale Underwood will be our guest soloist, and Col. Arnald Gabriel, former conductor of the world-renowned US Air Force Band in Washington, D.C .will be our guest conductor.

Steven Bryan’s “Meta March” is a memorable synthesis of some of America’s best loved marches. Written in a style reminiscent of the American composer Charles Ives, this work entertains its listeners while it to keeps them guessing with some unexpected twists and turns.

Hymn to the Infinite Sky is an inspiring tone poem also published by de Haaske. It contains a variety of beautiful, interesting, exciting sonorities. The spiritual title of the work is reflected in its compassion, serenity and majesty.

Stephen Piazza, conductor David Jackson, trombone soloist
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