Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble's Season Finale to Feature Bach, Ticheli and More, 5/11

PSYWE's season finale celebrates musical learning with programming that makes connections between classical and contemporary composers. The concert is set for Sunday, May 11, 1:30 p.m. at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA.

The concert begins with two wind ensemble arrangements of Bach's music: "Who Puts His Trust in God Most Just" (arr. James Croft), originally a chorale for four parts, and "Fugue in G Minor" (arr. Lucien Calliet), a masterful combination of counterpoint and harmony. Next is Eric Whitacre's "Sleep," a smooth composition with drawn-out harmonies inspired by Robert Frost's poem, "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening." The concert concludes with Frank Ticheli's Symphony No. 2, which was composed in 2003 as a tribute to James Croft, director of bands at Florida State University. Its movements-"Shooting Stars," "Dreams Under a New Moon" and "Apollo Unleashed"-are an evocation of the heavens, tying back to the concert's first number, not just with the dedication to Croft, but with a brilliant finale that quotes the chorale work by Bach.

Tickets are $12 with general admission seating. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (714) 755-5799 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org.

Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble (PSYWE), composed of musicians in 8th through 12th grade, representing 22 schools from the greater Southern California area. One of three Pacific Symphony Youth Ensembles programs, PSYWE is led by Music Director Joshua Roach, under artistic advisement of Pacific Symphony Music Director Carl St.Clair. PSYWE provides performance opportunities for students to help them master the technique and artistry of wind and percussion instruments, while helping foster personal growth and musical development.