November 22, 2016

The University Concert Band and University Orchestra are comprised of talented student musicians drawn from all of Drexel’s Colleges and Schools who are playing at an impressively high level. This term both ensembles will welcome renowned professional musicians to collaborate on their upcoming performances in the Fall Concert Series. On Saturday, December 3 in Main Auditorium the University Orchestra, under the direction of Rosalind Erwin, will feature violinist Michael Ludwig, Concertmaster of the Philly POPS, as a guest soloist performing Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto in G minor, a quintessential violin masterpiece. The program also features the works of Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 in c minor and Alexander Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances. The following night, Sunday, December 4 in Mandell Theater the Concert Band under the direction of Dr. Wesley Broadnax will welcome the return of guest conductor Filippo Salemmi of Bevagna, Italy. The major work on the program is James Barnes' Fantasy Variations on a Theme of Paginini featuring nearly every section of our Concert Band. All students are engaged in a solo experience, and it will surely be an audience favorite. The program also highlights famous works by such esteemed composers as John Mackey, Vincent Persichetti, Alfred Reed and Luigi Zaninelli.  

The University Orchestra is a full symphony orchestra comprised of strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion. Members have the opportunity to further their individual and ensemble playing skills through weekly rehearsals and concert performances, drawing its repertoire from the best of the Classical, Romantic and Contemporary periods of music.

M. Salemmi is making his third journey to Drexel University to conduct the Concert Band, as his visit is part of Drexel's partnership with the INTERNATIONAL MUSIC PROJECT (IMP), an organization that includes ten other college and university wind ensembles presenting annual concerts, master classes and symposia/workshops for conductors.  Our students will be engaged in a week of rehearsals and master classes with M. Salemmi leading up to Sunday’s performance. The Concert Band is comprised of more than 70 audition admitted 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. Their December concert celebrates Maestros Salemmi and Broadnax’s partnership in the International Music Project where they are resident conductors and clinicians.

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

November 29:

Fashion Band & Rock Ensemble // 7:30pm // Mandell Theater

String Chamber Music // 7:30pm // Main Auditorium

November 30:

 Mediterranean Ensemble // 7:30pm // Mandell Theater

December 1:

Jazz Orchestra // 8pm // Mandell Theater

December 2:

All-College Choir & Chamber Winds // 7:30pm // Main Auditorium

December 3

University Orchestra // 7:30pm // Main Auditorium

Vocal Jazz Ensemble // 3pm // Mandell Theater

Gospel Choir // 7:30pm // Mandell Theater

December 4:

University Chorus // 3pm // Main Auditorium

Concert Band // 7pm // Main Auditorium