Maybe you’re someone who would find it difficult to sit through an overture from a Verdi opera.
Harlan Parker, conductor of the Peabody Wind Ensemble, wants you to take a deep breath and wait 10 minutes before jumping to conclusions.
“The Peabody Wind Ensemble is like a sophisticated band that plays a huge variety of music,” Parker said. “A priority in programming is to vary the [repertoire] so the audience doesn’t get bored.”
On Wednesday, the ensemble’s season opener offers the musical diversity contained in one performance that’s not usually presented by a full orchestra focusing on one or two symphonies in an evening’s entertainment.
And, according to Parker, all but one of the six works showcased have been transcribed from their original orchestral scores to compositions for wind ensembles whose instrument complement includes woodwinds, brass, percussion and occasionally harp and piano.
Giuseppi Verdi’s “La Forzo del Destino (Overture)” opens the program and has been transcribed for clarinets taking the place of violins. Shafer Mahoney’s “Sparkle,” a minimalist piece, follows — a bit of whimsy with the name describing the work. Charles Ives’ “Variations on America” showcases tonality, while Sir Malcolm Arnold’s “Four Scottish Dances” is an upbeat work utilizing double reeds to simulate bagpipes.
Michael Daugherty’s “Niagara Falls,” written especially for wind ensembles, is a picturesque, representational piece performed in a jazz-rock style with heavy use of percussion. John Corigliano’s “Gazebo Dances” closes the show in a festive manner as each dance focuses on meter changes from three-quarter waltz time to five-quarter waltz time.
With typically 80 musicians in its roster, the Peabody Wind Ensemble, comprised of student performers, is one of the world’s pre-eminent wind orchestras, performing four concerts a year at the Peabody Conservatory. Parker has held his position as conductor there for 19 years.
Rich Lauver is the ensemble’s coordinator, responsible for all administrative aspects including personnel, performance activities and rehearsal schedules.
“The music is very challenging,” Lauver said. “But the students are up to it and coming together really well. They will be ready by the opening.”
If you go
» When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday
» Where: Miriam A. Friedman Concert Hall, Peabody Conservatory, 17 E. Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore
» Admission: $15 adults, $10 seniors, $5 students with ID, Peabody Box Office, 410-659-8100 ext. 2
