November 18, 2015

The University Concert Band and University Orchestra are composed of student players drawn from almost all of Drexel’s Colleges and Schools. They perform at an impressively high level, and this term both ensembles have been collaborating with guest artists-in-residence for their upcoming performances.  On December 5, Philly Pops principal trumpeter Matthew Gallagher will join the University Orchestra as a featured soloist, following his November residency and master class with students. Among the Orchestra’s many talented members is concertmaster Carson Lloyd, a Physics major, and principal horn player Grace Petrecca, a Biology major. On December 6, the Concert Band’s performance features Atlanta-based composer Alvin Singleton’s work, Where the Good Sounds Live, written in memoriam to the late Dr. Myron Moss who was the beloved Director of the Drexel Concert Band.

Now entering its second full season, the University Orchestra draws its repertoire from the best of the Classical, Romantic and Contemporary periods of music. International Roots is the theme of the December 5 concert, which takes place at 7:30pm in Main Auditorium (3141 Chestnut Street) and features the works of masters from around the world. In addition to Gallagher’s solo of the 20^th century benchmark, Alexander Arutunian Concerto for Trumpet, the concert will feature works by Rossini and Tchaikovsky.

Comprised of more than 70 musicians from across the University, the Concert Band presents a free-to-the-public performance at the end of each term featuring the finest wind band repertoire from diverse genres, including classical, jazz and chamber. The ensemble engages in collaborative projects with guest soloists and conductors, as well as with choral and dance ensembles. In addition to the composition by Alvin Singleton, whose work has been described as “soulful…with palpably intuitive momentum” (Chamber Music Magazine), the fall performance will include works by Balmages, Grainger, Jacob, Sousa and Vaughan Williams. The concert takes place on Sunday, December 6 at 7:00pm in the Mandell Theater (33^rd & Chestnut Streets).

For more information about the concerts, please contact performingarts@drexel.edu, or 215-895-4440. Click here to learn more about becoming involved in one of the Department’s many ensembles.