CCM Wind Symphony pays homage to the Earth in multimedia concert

UC College-Conservatory of Music's Wind Symphony presents an evening of astounding sounds and sights in "The Creation of the World" at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23 in Patricia Corbett Theater. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office!

Led by CCM Wind Symphony Music Director Kevin Michael Holzman, this unique program is centered around one thing that connects us all: the Earth. Home to all humanity, this great “blue marble” is full of infinite wonders, from the creatures of the air, land, and sea, to the natural intricacies of geology, biology and chemistry. Most impressive of all, however, are the earth’s inhabitants: Us. Humanity’s vast achievements, rich cultures, and complex social dynamics all play a part in making us who we are, and this impressive concert highlights all of that!

The concert features guest ensemble Mason High School Wind Symphony, led by music director Avious Jackson and conducted by Zach Hinson, assistant music director. The high school ensemble opens the concert with Carolyn Bremer's Early Light, William Grant Still's Summerland, Paul Dooley's Boom Goes the Dynamite and Ron Nelson's Passacaglia (Homage on BACH). 

After a brief intermission, the CCM Wind Symphony takes the stage — opening with Darius Milhaud’s La Création du Monde (The Creation of the World), a long-standing pilar of the wind band canon. CCM Director of Orchestral Studies Mark Gibson conducts this piece, which was written in 1923, this short ballet is a retelling of various creation stories from throughout Africa. Inspired by authentic Harlem Jazz during a trip to New York, Milhaud infused this work with a delightful blend of jazz “blues” notes and his signature bitonality.

The next piece looks up from the Earth into the sky. Source material for French composer Olivier Messiaen's Oiseaux Exotiques (Exotic Birds) was pulled directly from the earth’s feathery fliers, and includes musical transcriptions of birdcalls from 47 different species! Setting these ornithic lines against traditional rhythms imported from Greece and India, Messiaen features the piano in an extremely virtuosic quasi-concerto — CCM's performance features student artist Trinity Le, piano.

After a brief stage reset, the performance resumes with Kevin Day’s 2019 composition “Shimmering Sunshine,” which submerges audiences in the liquid gold of brilliant sunlight. Inspired by the glorious light of high noon, this work was written in conjunction with the M.O.T.I.F. (Music of the Introspective Fields) Triptych Consortium. Conducted by graduate student conductor Benjamin Wilcox. 

The concert closes with Julie Giroux’s recently completed Symphony No. 6, “The Blue Marble.” This three-movement work explores the earth as a whole, from jungles, to oceans, to the conflicts and joys of humans. The sweeping, cinematic melodies are accompanied by videography and audio recordings from the composer, providing an immersive, multi-media experience. Audiences are sure to be enthralled by the nouveau use of voicing, orchestration, timbre and rhythm as the work swells to a cacophonic climax. *Content Advisory: The video contains short depictions of war and violence.

"The Creation of the World" is a celebration of nature, of light and of the human experience. You don’t want to miss this motivational and evocative performance! Get your tickets now through the CCM Box Office.

• 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23

Patricia Corbett Theater, CCM Village 
University of Cincinnati

Tickets: $19.50 adult, $15 student, $15 UC faculty/staff, $10 UC student, $5 CCM student; group discounts available.

 Experiencing the magic of CCM OnStage has never been easier. Purchase your tickets:

• Online at ccmonstage.universitytickets.com
• Over the phone at 513-556-4183
• In person at the CCM Box Office in the Atrium of UC's Corbett Center for the Performing Arts 

CCM’s Box Office hours are Tuesday through Friday from 1-5 p.m. and one hour prior to curtain for ticketed performances. Hours subject to change based on the University of Cincinnati calendar. Our Box Office staff is always ready to answer your questions by phone at 513-556-4183 or email at boxoff@uc.edu. 

CCM is located on the campus of the University of Cincinnati. For detailed driving directions, visit ccm.uc.edu/directions.

Parking is available in UC's CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus. Effective July 1, 2023, all University of Cincinnati Parking Services locations will become cashless. Pay for parking securely with your credit/debit card. All major credit cards accepted.

CCM OnStage patrons can add pre-paid parking to their checkout carts when purchasing tickets. Pre-paid parking is date/performance specific. CCM Garage parking rates for a performance or special event is usually available for $10-15. Learn more about parking at UC's CCM Garage.

For additional information on parking at UC, please visit uc.edu/about/parking.

There's more to explore — view CCM's full schedule of fall major events at ccm.uc.edu/onstage. 

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All event dates and programs are subject to change. For a complete calendar of events, please visit ccm.uc.edu/onstage.