The Symphonic Band’s second winter-quarter concert features five contemporary voices who are adding fresh perspectives to the wind band medium. Adam Schoenberg conceived his two-movement work Rise as a piece that could bookend an entire program, and the ensemble will honor this vision by separating the two movements. Omar Thomas’s setting of the well-known folk song “Shenandoah” is, in the words of the composer, “mysterious, somewhat ominous, constantly introspective, and deeply soulful.” Kevin Charoensri’s Rising Light is a powerful statement about anti-Asian hate and represents his non-apologetic celebration of the bicultural identity of Asian Americans. Kevin Day’s energetic Shimmering Sunshine opens the second half of the program, followed by Ryan George’s An Gé Fhiáin (The Wild Goose), a celebration of the Celtic people and their belief that the Holy Spirit was represented by this wild, untamed bird.

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Symphonic Band

Northwestern University

As our students prepare for a well-earned spring break, join us for a joyful concert showcasing their hard work this semester. We can’t wait to share the music we’ve been preparing for the Gammage stage!

ASU Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony: 'Spring Awakenings'

Library of Music

Wind Ensemble – Donald McKinney, conductor

Auer Hall

Musical Arts Center

Featuring the Mini Band Clinic Ensemble and Wind Ensemble

Mini Band Clinic Concert with Wind Ensemble

Hamel Music Center

The contrasting timbres of the violin, clarinet, and piano bring to life a vibrant variety of musical imaginations in this program of rhythmic vitality and melodic invention.

Spring Contrasts

Piedmont Center for the Arts

Noe Valley Ministry

Discover today’s most pioneering African American composers, as Associate Conductor Jacob Joyce hosts an evening of eclectic chamber music performed by musicians of the Pittsburgh Symphony. You will uncover the profound contribution and influence of African American culture on classical music at St. James AME with a program featuring all four Paul J Ross Fellows!

Spotlight on African American Composers

St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church

Colin Eng performs a recital of works by Cuong, Day, Eng and Mackey.

Student Degree Recital: Colin Eng B.M. saxophone senior recital

University of Maryland

Acclaimed cimbalom master Alex Udvary joins the orchestra for the Háry János Suite. Celebrated for its evocative storytelling through music, the Hungarian folk piece is beloved by orchestras worldwide. This adventurous concert also includes La Cueva del Milodón, an homage to the Chilean natural monument by Western Illinois University’s John Mindeman.

Adventures & Explorations

Quincy Junior High School

Join us for an unforgettable evening of classical music as the Schubert Club presents Tommy Mesa, cello, and Michelle Cann, piano, in a compelling recital. This event is set to take place on Sunday, January 26, at 4:00 PM at the Saint Anthony Park United Church of Christ.

Cuban-American cellist Tommy Mesa, a recipient of the 2023 Sphinx Medal of Excellence Award and winner of several prestigious competitions, teams up with the talented pianist Michelle Cann to perform works from their debut album "Our Stories." This album aims to highlight the voices of composers traditionally underrepresented in classical music. The program will feature two significant sonatas from the early 20th century by Debussy and Shostakovich, as well as pieces by Nadia Boulanger, Kevin Day, and Andrea Casarrubios.

Tommy Mesa has captivated audiences with solo appearances alongside major orchestras such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, The Cleveland Orchestra, and The Philadelphia Orchestra. Michelle Cann, a Curtis Institute of Music graduate, has an impressive performance history, having debuted with orchestras like The Philadelphia Orchestra and The Cleveland Orchestra. She currently holds the inaugural Eleanor Sokoloff Chair in Piano Studies at the Curtis Institute of Music.

The program for the evening includes:
- NADIA BOULANGER: 3 Pieces for Cello and Piano
- CLAUDE DEBUSSY: Sonata in D Minor
- KEVIN DAY: Sonata for Cello and Piano
- ANDREA CASARRUBIOS: Mensajes del agua
- DIMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH: Cello Sonata in D minor, Op. 40

Location: Saint Anthony Park United Church of Christ, 2129 Commonwealth Ave, St. Paul, 55108.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the artistry of Tommy Mesa and Michelle Cann as they bring to life a unique selection of classical music.

Tommy Mesa, cello and Michelle Cann, piano

St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ

Aperio continues its 2024-2025 concert season with Tropical Latitudes, a concert celebrating the remarkable influences of Caribbean rhythm, poetry, and culture in contemporary music. Combining elements from a variety of musical styles - including bomba, salsa, samba, and tango - this exciting program sheds new light on the vibrant mix of culture, music, and history that distinguishes New World music from its European forebears.

Tropical Latitudes

Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston

Join us for an unforgettable evening of chamber music as Chamber Music Pittsburgh presents "MainStage Live: Tommy Mesa and Michelle Cann" on January 20, 2025, at 7:30 PM. This special performance will take place at the PNC Theatre, located at 350 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

Experience the extraordinary talents of Cuban-American cellist Tommy Mesa and pianist Michelle Cann in a program that redefines the chamber music canon for the 21st century. The concert will feature a diverse repertoire, including works by Nadia Boulanger, Andrea Casarrubios, Claude Debussy, Kevin Day, Nikolai Kapustin, and Dmitri Shostakovich. Highlights include Boulanger's "3 Pieces for Cello and Piano," Casarrubios' "Mensajes del agua," Debussy's "Sonata in D minor," Day's "Sonata for Cello and Piano," Kapustin's "Elegy," and Shostakovich's "Cello Sonata in D minor, Op. 40."

Tommy Mesa and Michelle Cann, both recipients of the Sphinx Organization’s prestigious Medal of Excellence, are celebrated for their innovative approach and commitment to showcasing composers and performers from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in classical music. Mesa's charismatic and engaging performance style, combined with Cann's exquisite command of the piano, promises an evening of compelling and transformative music.

This concert is generously sponsored in part by Russell and Kathy Ayres. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the trailblazing artistry of Tommy Mesa and Michelle Cann as they bring their unique vision to the stage.

Tommy Mesa And Michelle Cann

PPU Pittsburgh Playhouse

The Royal Danish Orchestra's chamber concerts present celebrated masterpieces alongside rare chamber music gems.

Adventures with Schumann and Bartók

Operaens foyer

**Season Debut: The Emperor - Des Moines Symphony**

Join us for an unforgettable evening as the Des Moines Symphony kicks off its season with "The Emperor" at the Des Moines Civic Center. This spectacular event promises to blend classical tradition with innovative spirit, showcasing the talents of renowned artists and the visionary leadership of Maestro Joseph Giunta.

**Date & Time:**
- Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 7:30 PM
- Sunday, September 29, 2024, at 2:30 PM

**Location:** Des Moines Civic Center

**Program Highlights:**
- **Kevin Day's "Lightspeed"** opens the concert with its kaleidoscopic textures and futuristic soundscapes, setting the stage for an evening of musical exploration.
- **Beethoven's Emperor Piano Concerto** featuring the acclaimed Olga Kern, who brings the bold spirit and profound depth of this masterpiece to life.
- **Bruckner's Symphony No. 7** in celebration of his 200th birthday, serving as a majestic finale that encapsulates the essence of the symphonic tradition.

**Performers:**
- **Joseph Giunta, Conductor** - Celebrated for his dynamic conducting and innovative programming, Maestro Giunta's leadership continues to elevate the Des Moines Symphony to new heights.
- **Olga Kern, Pianist** - Internationally renowned for her powerful performances and technical mastery, Kern's interpretation of Beethoven's Emperor is eagerly anticipated.

**Ticket Information:**
- Prices range from $20 to $80, with half-price tickets available for students.
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, including one intermission.

This event is not just a concert; it's a celebration of music's power to inspire and transform. The Season Debut: The Emperor is proudly presented as part of the Harriet S. and J. Locke Macomber Concert series, continuing the tradition of bringing exceptional musical experiences to the community.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness the Des Moines Symphony as it embarks on another season of outstanding performances. Secure your tickets today and be part of the magic that only live music can create.

Season Debut: The Emperor

Des Moines Civic Center

This concert features five extraordinary artists, each celebrated for their virtuosity, and sought after for their performances around the world. Returning musicians include pianist Sterling Elliott, recipient of the Sphinx Organization’s 2024 Medal of Excellence and a 2021 Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient and cellist Nina Lee, a longtime member of the Brentano String Quartet. Debuting artists include Hungarian-Nicaraguan-American violinist Abigél Králik; Armenian-American violist Cara Pogossian, a current Masters student at the New England Conservatory; and American pianist Evren Ozel, the recipient of the 2023 Avery Fisher Career Grant.

Abigél Králik, violin, Cara Pogossian, viola, Sterling Elliott, cello, Nina Lee, cello, Evren Ozel, piano

Tippet Rise Art Center

Jonathan Henneveld concludes his studies in the soloist class at the Jutland Conservatory of Music with this concert. The soloist class is the highest level at the conservatory.

Debut concert – Jonathan Henneveld, trombone

Musikhuset Aarhus

In partnership with the International Trombone Festival and Texas Christian University, The FWSO’s season finale goes out with a blast, spotlighting the brass instruments of the orchestra. Music Director Robert Spano will lead the ensemble in a brand-new double concerto for trombone and piano by Texas Christian University alumnus Kevin Day as well as Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Jennifer Higdon’s river sings a song to trees. For the big finish: Mahler’s Symphony No. 5.

Season Finale: Jennifer Higdon, Kevin Day, and Mahler 5

Bass Performance Hall

As the house lights fade on Dr. Vickerman’s inaugural season, a single spotlight brightens to illuminate our very special guest artist for the afternoon, Sameer Gupta. One of the few percussionists in the world who is fluent in both American jazz and classical Indian music, Mr. Gupta’s unique musical sound combines traditional and modern improvisational styles. His prodigious skills on the Indian hand drums, or tabla, will be center stage he joins the Wind Symphony in performing Reena Esmail’s Chamak. The concert also features Jennifer Jolley’s poignant contemplation on the destruction of California wildfires, Ash, alongside the energetic and rhythmic Dancing Fire by Kevin Day. The concert concludes with Ida Gotkovsky’s epic masterpiece Poeme du Feu. Don’t miss it!

Fire / Light

Saratoga High School

Join us for an unforgettable evening on April 27th as the University of Arizona Wind Ensemble takes the stage with an array of special guests! Composer-in-residence Kevin Day, alongside the Rincon-University High School Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Jeff Marchant and Dan Phillips. Highlighting the evening will be the exhilarating performance of Mr. Day’s concerto for alto saxophone, “Unquiet Waters,” featuring the exceptional talents of Dr. Eddie Goodman, renowned saxophone professor at UA. Don’t miss this extraordinary showcase of musical talent and collaboration!

The University of Arizona Wind Ensemble & Chamber Winds

The University of Arizona

Chris Porteous, Bass Trombone – Masters Recital

University of Arizona

MAP Wind Ensemble, String Ensemble, Orchestra

The Juilliard School

The concert at Sunset Center in Carmel, California features the Junior Youth and Honors Orchestras. The
JYO program will include “Down A Country Lane” by Aaron Copland and other works TBD. Because we
have acquired another youth orchestra program and are in the process of merging, we’re still working
through auditions and seating. Once that is complete, additional repertoire choices will be made for this
group.

Youth Music Monterey

Sunset Center Theater

New and classic music that channels everything from rock and folk to Mahler and Chick Corea.

Pereira, Washington, and Mozart

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Join us for an unparalleled musical experience at the "World Class Brass All-Stars" concert, happening on Friday, November 3, at the prestigious Stevens Center. This event promises to be an exhilarating celebration of the finest brass talents from across the globe, delivering what is set to be the most memorable brass concert you've ever attended.

The evening will feature a remarkable lineup, including the world premiere of "Kaleidoscope" by Peter Noll, commissioned especially for this event by the Piedmont Wind Symphony. Additionally, the program includes Dmitri Shostakovich's "Festive Overture" with antiphonal brass, and Kevin Day's "Concerto for Wind Ensemble," all under the baton of Mark A. Norman, Music Director and Conductor of the Piedmont Wind Symphony.

Highlighting the concert are performances by renowned brass virtuosos: Adam Rapa on trumpet, Jeff Scott on horn, Matt Niess on trombone, and Oystein Baadsvik on tuba. Their exceptional talent and passion for music promise to bring a new level of excitement and artistry to the stage.

The event will take place at the Stevens Center, located at 405 4th St NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Don't miss this spectacular showcase of brass music at its finest. Secure your tickets now and be part of a musical journey that celebrates the power and beauty of brass instruments like never before.

World Class Brass All-Stars

Stevens Center

Program includes Lightning Round by Kevin Day, Solace in the Equinox by Tyler S. Grant, On Parade by Amanda Aldridge, and Fantasies on a Theme by Haydn by Norman Dello Joio. Arris Golden, conductor.

CONCERT BAND AND CAMPUS BAND 2023 April

Wharton Center for Performing Arts

Music by Andrea Casarrubios, Stephanie Ann Boyd & Carlos Simon, Kevin Day and Rachmaninoff
Cuban-American cellist Thomas Mesa has established himself as one of the most charismatic, innovative and engaging performers of his generation. He was the winner of the $50,000 First Prize in the 2016 Sphinx Competition and the Astral Artists 2017 National Auditions. He has appeared as soloist at the Supreme Court of the United States on three occasions and with major orchestras including the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, The Cleveland Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Santa Barbara Symphony and the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.

Thomas Mesa, cello & Ilya Yakushev, piano

Kaufman Music Center

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music with the Seraph Brass Quintet, presented by the Oak Ridge Civic Music Association. This captivating concert is set to take place on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 7:30 PM, with a special pre-concert talk beginning at 7:00 PM. The venue for this musical extravaganza is the First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge, located at 1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike.

Seraph Brass, founded by the renowned trumpet soloist Mary Elizabeth Bowden, is an ensemble on a mission to showcase the excellence of female brass musicians and highlight artists from marginalized groups. As winners of the 2019 American Prize in Chamber Music, Seraph Brass is known for their dynamic performances and engaging programming. The quintet draws from a roster of America’s top brass players, including Mary Elizabeth Bowden, Raquel Samayoa, Rachel Velvikis, Victoria Garcia, and Cristina Cutts Dougherty.

The Oak Ridge concert promises a diverse and captivating program, featuring music by classical giants such as Edvard Grieg, Giuseppe Verdi, Gioacchino Rossini, Clara Schumann, and Franz Liszt. Additionally, the evening will include works by contemporary composers Kevin Day, Kevin McKee, David Chesky, Grigoraș Dinicu, Reena Esmail, Catherine McMichael, and Anthony DiLorenzo, offering a blend of original transcriptions, newly commissioned works, and well-known classics.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the brilliance of Seraph Brass in the beautiful setting of the First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge. Tickets are available online at https://orcma.vbotickets.com/events. For more information about Seraph Brass and to follow their journey, visit their website at https://www.seraphbrass.com/ and connect with them on social media.

Prepare to be mesmerized by an evening of stunning brass music that celebrates female musicianship and innovation.

Seraph Brass Quintet

First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge

The WMS Low Brass section steps “out of the back row” and into the spotlight for this concert of music spanning over 400 years. Hear everything from the music of Gabrieli and Beethoven to up-and-coming, 25-year-old composer Kevin Day’s “Ignition.”

WMS Low Brass, Classical Brass Ensemble

The Block

The Multifaceted Career • KEVIN DAY • Composer, conductor, pianist

Longy School of Music of Bard College

In its 11th season, Seraph Brass was founded by trumpet soloist Mary Elizabeth Bowden with a mission to showcase the excellence of women brass players and highlight musicians from marginalized groups, both in personnel and in programming. Winners of the American Prize in Chamber Music, the group has been praised for its “beautiful sounds" (American Record Guide), "fine playing” (Gramophone), and “staggeringly high caliber of performance” (Textura).

Seraph Brass

Bethel United Methodist Church

Four: Progression

Valdosta State University

Discover pioneering English composer Ruth Gipps’ lyrical combination of woodwinds and strings, then a very different treatment of similar forces in the hands of Canadian composer Vivian Fung. Rounding out the program, we present a rare Chamber Series appearance by our lower brass musicians, performing works by Paul Hindemith and Kevin Day.

From Ruth Gipps to Vivian Fung

Benaroya Hall

Minnesota Winds—our state's brand new professional concert band—takes the stage for an unforgettable celebration of band. Led by powerhouse guest conductor Cynthia Johnston Turner—known for her electric style, international leadership, and deep commitment to the concert band art form—this performance is one you won't want to miss. Join our army of brass, chorus of woodwinds, and battery of percussion, and revel in the joy, virtuosity, and sheer exhilaration of band at its finest!

First Season Finale

Orchestra Hall Minneapolis

Set 400 years into the future, Lalovavi is an Afrofuturist adventure that follows Persephone, the youngest daughter of the ruler of Atlas, the city formerly known as Atlanta. Currency and status in Atlas are determined based on the presence of Syndica, a gene that promotes vitality and longevity. When Persephone is found to possess a version of Syndica that confers immortality, she is betrayed by her family and must run for her life. She is thrust into an epic journey, uncovering a hidden past that leads her to discover love’s true meaning and the power to determine her destiny.

Kevin Day

Events

Upcoming events

Feb 3 - Apr 24, 2026

Wind Ensemble – Donald McKinney, conductor · Indiana University Jacobs School of Music

Mar 28, 2026

Seraph Brass · Coastal Concerts

Mar 28, 2026

Four: Progression · Valdosta Symphony Orchestra

Apr 7, 2026

From Ruth Gipps to Vivian Fung · Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra

May 30, 2026

First Season Finale · Minnesota Orchestra

Past events

Mar 13, 2026

Symphonic Band · Northwestern Bienen School of Music

Mar 3, 2026

ASU Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony: 'Spring Awakenings' · Arizona State University School of Music, Dance and Theatre

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