Wind Ensemble’s fall concert to feature cornucopia of works

The ensemble of more than 40 players will perform Sat., Nov. 11, 7 p.m. at Hole Memorial Auditorium. Their repertoire will include works by six composers -- Ralph Vaughn Williams’ “English Folk Song Suite,” “Melodius Thunk” by David Biedenbender, “The Seal Lullaby” by Eric Whiteacre, “This Cruel Moon” by John Mackey, “Apotheosis of the Earth: Postscript” by Karel Husa, and “The National Game March” by John Philip Sousa.

The ensemble, led by Director of Wind and Percussion Studies Giovanni Santos, is making its mark on the national and international stage. In June and July, the group toured the European countries of the Czech Republic, Austria, Italy and the Republic of San Marino. They participated at the exclusive invitation of Maestro Massimiliano Messieri in two prestigious music festivals where they debuted Messieri’s original composition “Dreamland.” During the tour, they also performed compositions by Santos and La Sierra’s student musicians.

In January, the U.S. Naval Academy Band Brass Ensemble will premiere Santos’ composition, “Voyages,” at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. In March, the Wind Ensemble will give a performance of the piece along with other new compositions by La Sierra musicians at New York City’s famed Carnegie Hall.

Santos, a La Sierra alum, also directs La Sierra’s Big Band and teaches courses in instrumental music education, popular music and conducting. He received his Master of Music from University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music. Santos led the band department at Loma Linda Academy for seven years before arriving at La Sierra, and conducted their Wind Symphony in performances across the United States and Europe. His credits include leading performances in such noted venues and festivals as the Notre Dame Cathedral of Chartres in France, the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, and the Fete de la Musique in Paris.

As a composer, Santos has premiered his works across the United States and Europe.

Tickets for the Wind Ensemble fall concert are $15 general admission with discounts available online at https://www.universe.com/events/wind-ensemble-fall-concert-tickets-QPVZNT?ref=universe-discover. For further information call 951-785-2036 or email music@lasierra.edu. La Sierra University is located at 4500 Riverwalk Parkway, Riverside. A campus map is available at https://lasierra.edu/campus-map/.