Wind Ensemble: Looking Up **NEW DATE AND VENUE**

MacMillan Theatre is temporarily closed. This performance is now taking place at George Weston Recital Hall.

This performance was originally scheduled on March 22, 2025, but is now taking place on March 21, 2025.

PROGRAM

Syzygy Flow (2024)

Katahj Copley (b. 1998)

James Wu, conductor

Sheltering Sky (2012)

John Mackey (b. 1973)

Toby Moisey, conductor

Flowers (2019)

Bob Becker (b. 1947)

I. Iris

II. Lilium

III. Nasturtium

Première performance

Michael Murphy, marimba and steel pan

Intermission

Sunflower Studies (2023)

Nicole Piunno (b. 1985)

I. Waiting for the Brightness of Tomorrow

II. No Blue Without Yellow

III. Interlude

IV. Seeking the Golden Light

V. Broken Colours

Traveler (2003)

David Maslanka (1943-2017)

University of Toronto Wind Ensemble

FLUTE/PICCOLO

Ivy Bumanglag

Josh Chong

Gihae (Lisa) Han

Lauren Radeschi

OBOE

Clara Aristanto (English Horn)

Yeonji Oh

Christopher Vishy

CLARINET

Eliza Abbott

Cheng Cheng

Marco Ding (bass)

Benjamin Gillingham-Murray

Dario Hila

Angela Lin (contra)

Cassie Nielsen (Eb)*

Jonathan Wong*

BASSOON

Kendal Morrison (contra)

Grace Qiu

Rita Ren

SAXOPHONE

Kannan Bloor

Charlotte Chau

Kun Huang

Adrian Leung

Chantelle Tom-Ying

Yunfei Xie

PIANO

Tina Chen

HARP

Emmanuel Luna-Wong

TRUMPET

Kevin Hayward

Naomi Hunter

Jayang Kim

Daniel Rofaiel

Tamsin Spiller

Kevin Weijie Zhao

HORN

Charlotte Alexander*

Nathan Bergman

Ethan Chialtas

Ilinca Stafie*

TROMBONE

Abellia Chan

Kenzie Ford

Shaela Lundy

Ian Tong (bass) +

EUPHONIUM

Lionel Stanway

Jonathan Wang

TUBA

Elizabeth Fair +

Jack Shiels

PERCUSSION

Amiel Ang

Elyssa Arde

Reuben Faigao

Yi-Hsuan Lo*

Jerry Yuan

Yue Yin Zhang

Jeffrey Zhu

BASS

Matthieu Savard *

GRADUATE CONDUCTORS

Toby Moisey

James Wu

*guest musicians

+ensemble managers

PROGRAM NOTES

Katahj Copley - Syzygy Flow

Syzygy is the straight-line configuration of three celestial bodies—the alignment of Sun, Moon, and Earth—a flow of energy, a flow of color, a flow of everything. Syzygy Flow is a sonic illustration of these three forces in motion. Through its simple themes and motifs, the piece challenges both performers and listeners to uncover the intricate connections between every note and every line. The driving tempo marking of quarter note = 160 may seem imposing at first, yet as the music unfolds, it reveals itself to be fluid, lyrical, and spacious. This paradox reflects a larger truth: the universe, despite its vast complexity, operates on simple fundamental principles. Chaos theory tells us that without effort, disorder prevails. In Syzygy Flow, as in life, meaning emerges not from randomness but from the details we choose to engage with—the relationships between sound, motion, and energy that give the piece its vibrant, evolving character.

John Mackey – Sheltering Sky

John Mackey's Sheltering Sky envelops the listener in an atmosphere rich with nostalgia, evoking a sense of comfort through melodies reminiscent of timeless folk tunes. Though original, these melodies bear the warmth and familiar contours characteristic of traditional folk songs—echoing faintly of tunes like Danny Boy and Shenandoah. Much like Percy Grainger, who crafted new melodies imbued with the spirit of folk traditions, Mackey's composition resonates with the gentle simplicity and emotional depth associated with the genre. The work gracefully unfolds in broad, arching phrases that effortlessly flow into one another, painting a musical landscape that feels simultaneously vast and intimate. A solitary oboe introduces the first melody—a tender, descending line that gently sighs—answered by the hopeful rise of the trumpet's response, creating a call-and-answer dialogue typical of folk song traditions. Throughout subtle, yet increasingly complex harmonies lend the music a hazy, dreamlike quality, as though recalling distant memories just beyond clear reach. Ultimately, Sheltering Sky invites listeners into a reflective state, enveloping them in a soundscape where simplicity and familiarity elide with thoughtful modern harmonies. Its gentle melodies linger, evoking the comforting echoes of songs we feel we have always known.

Bob Becker – Flowers (featuring Michael Murphy, percussion)

Flowers (Hana in Japanese) was composed during 2019 at the request of percussionist Yurika Kimura. A concerto in three movements played without pause, it features marimba and steel pans performed by a single soloist. The first movement, Iris (Hanashobu) refers to the stately tall, bearded iris which appear in late spring. Lilium, (Yuri) is inspired by the water lilies (suiren) famously depicted by the impressionist painter Claude Monet. The final movement, Nasturium (Kinrenka) refers to the popular fast-growing bright yellow, orange, and red flowers that often spread throughout a garden by the end of summer. Our soloist this evening is alum Michael Murphy, and we are delighted to welcome him home.

Nicole Piunno - Sunflower Studies

Sunflower Studies by Nicole Piunno is a symphony for wind ensemble inspired by the vibrant palette and profound symbolism of Vincent Van Gogh’s sunflower paintings. Drawing parallels between musical harmony and Van Gogh’s use of contrasting colours, Piunno crafts a musical landscape rich with bright yellows, deep blues, and broken hues. Each of the five movements explores distinct shades of emotion and meaning, from luminous optimism in Waiting for the Brightness of Tomorrow to the striking contrasts depicted in No Blue Without Yellow and Broken Colours. Central to Sunflower Studies is Van Gogh’s vision of creating “a symphony in blue and yellow.” Like Van Gogh’s paintings, Piunno’s music juxtaposes moments of darkness and light, beauty and tension, layering melodies that evoke visual textures reminiscent of brushstrokes on canvas. One of these melodies, Tell Me the Old, Old Story, was a beloved hymn of Van Gogh, which Piunno weaves into her work as a gentle reminder of the artist’s quest for comfort and eternity through his art. Reflecting our concert theme, "Looking Up," Sunflower Studies encourages listeners to seek hope and inspiration even amid moments of uncertainty. Just as sunflowers constantly turn toward the sun, Piunno’s symphony invites us to look upward, to embrace gratitude, faith, and the belief in brighter days ahead.

David Maslanka - Traveler

Reflecting the spirit of journeying and the uplifting energy of looking forward, David Maslanka’s Traveler is inspired by life's significant transitions and the profound experiences that accompany them. Commissioned in 2003 by the University of Texas at Arlington Band Alumni Association and dedicated to Ray C. Lichtenwalter upon his retirement, the piece captures the expansive sense of moving through life's transformative moments. The work begins assertively, boldly announcing the chorale melody "Nicht so traurig, nicht so sehr" ("Not so sad, not so much"). While the chorale title was initially coincidental, it fittingly illuminates the spirit of the music: life's transitions, even those marking significant endings, need not be mournful. Instead, Maslanka sees such transitions as powerful accumulations of experience and wisdom, vibrant steps forward into new possibilities. The energetic opening passages evoke a life actively engaged, filled with determination and purpose. As the piece progresses, it shifts to a more introspective, contemplative space, reflecting on the journey behind and preparing spiritually and emotionally for what lies ahead. Here, Maslanka draws listeners inward, inviting reflection upon life’s deeper meaning and the transitions that shape our existence. In its entirety, Traveler embodies an uplifting message: life's journey is not something to mourn but rather something to celebrate and embrace—a continuous adventure filled with potential, joy, and renewal.

Program notes by Bob Becker, Gillian MacKay, Toby Moisey, and James Wu

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