Orchestra and Bands Come Together for Annual Thanksgiving Concert, Sunday

November 16, 2018

The DePauw University Orchestra, led by music director Orcenith Smith, and the University Bands, conducted by Craig Paré, will present the School’s annual Thanksgiving week concert this Sunday, November 18, at 4 p.m. in the Green Center’s Kresge Auditorium.

“What a way to prepare for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday—with a wonderful concert featuring three of the DePauw School of Music large instrumental ensembles,” declared Paré, director of university bands and conductor of two of the ensembles. “For the first time in my 26 years here at DePauw, the Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of my colleague Professor Smith, will perform along with the University Band and our brand new Symphonic Band on what will be its inaugural performance.”

The DePauw Symphony Orchestra will open the program with Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi’s opera overture to The Force of Destiny. A story of deep emotions, felt in lost and regained relationships against a background of power and privilege, this work will be contrasted with a light-hearted setting of music from the 1934 film Lieutenant Kijé by the great Russian composer Serge Prokofiev.

The new Symphonic Band -- comprised primarily of College of Liberal Arts students -- will contribute Amazing Grace and selections from Pirates of the Caribbean, and the University Bandwill perform works featuring faculty cellist Eric Edberg and senior baritone John Cotton. The combined bands will then close the program with a joint performance of Alfred Reed’s Alleluia, Laudamus Te! with senior soloist Maxwell Filkins playing the J. Stanford Smith concert organ.

As we gather at this time of year to give thanks, the performers invite the audience to remember others by bringing a non-perishable food item for the Putnam County Emergency Food Pantry. Each donation can be redeemed at the box office for a free concert ticket.

General admission to student ensemble concerts is $5; tickets for seniors, youth and students are free. Tickets can be obtained online at www.depauw.edu/music, or in person at the venue’s box office, Monday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each ticketed performance.

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