The Winona State University Department of Music will present the Music Gala Weekend Friday, April 25, through Sunday, April 27, on the Performing Arts Center Main Stage.
The Music Gala Weekend will kick off with the WSU Jazz Ensemble, conducted by Rich MacDonald, at 7:30 p.m. April 25. The program will start with selections performed by alumni of the program followed by the 18-piece student ensemble. The concert will include pieces like “Joy of Cooking” by Sammy Nestico, “Cherry Juice” by Thad Jones, “Idioteque” by Radiohead, “Art Appreciation” by Steve Wiest, “FM” by Lyle Mays and “Four PM Blues,” which is an original composition by WSU adjunct faculty John Paulson performed by WSU seniors. This concert is free and open to the public.
The Gala continues with the WSU Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Paul Vance, at 3 p.m. April 26. This concert is free and open to the public as well.
At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, the WSU Choirs, conducted by Harry Mechell, will feature madrigals and songs of love, springtime and happiness. Performances will be from works by Hassler, Gabrielli, Schubert, Brahms, Bach and Offenbach. African-American spirituals and folk songs from Finland, Russia, America and Ireland will also be featured. The concert is $10 for adults, and free for seniors, students and WSU faculty and staff.
Sunday afternoon will mark the last concert of the Gala Weekend. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble, conducted by Donald Lovejoy, will perform at 2 p.m. The ensemble will be joined by alumni to celebrate the weekend. The performance will include selections like “A Quick Exit” by Darren Mitchell, “Of Lotholorien” by H. Owen Reed, “Song of Lir” by Fergal Carroll, “Night Haunts the New Day” by WSU Assistant Professor David Dies and “Of Sailors and Whales” by W. Francis McBeth. This concert is free and open to the public.
For ticket information, visit www.winona.edu/arts.
For more information email Rich MacDonald at rmacdonald@winona.edu.
