UW-Whitewater Symphonic Wind Ensemble to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City
March 02, 2020
Photos by Craig Schreiner | Written by Jeff Angileri and Amberly Ross
Student musicians from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater will once again perform at one of the most famous entertainment venues in the world — Carnegie Hall in New York City.
The 53 students who make up the Symphonic Wind Ensemble at UW-Whitewater will perform at 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, as part of the 2020 New York Wind Band Festival, an invitation-only event.
The ensemble’s repertoire includes five pieces, which will be dedicated to the host city of New York. Singaporean composer Emily Koh will join the ensemble at Carnegie Hall for its performance of her 2015 piece diver[city]. Koh is based in Atlanta, Georgia, and her music reimagines everyday experiences by sonically expounding tiny oft-forgotten details.
“I could not be happier,” said Glenn Hayes, professor of music and conductor of the ensemble. When asked what he hopes his students take away from the performance, Hayes said, “I want the feeling to last. Look what we’ve done. Look what we can do and what we are capable of. I want it to be an experience of musical excellence.”
UW-Whitewater’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble is one of the most accomplished collegiate bands in the country. Legendary stages and renowned music halls have played host to its performances. In addition to Carnegie Hall, the group has been invited to play at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England, and has played to thunderous applause and standing ovations at the Chicago Symphony Center.