Wind Symphony - Spring 2021 TOUR PROGRAM - Concordia University Chicago
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CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO
Spring 2021
TOUR PROGRAM
Wind Symphony
DR. RICHARD FISCHER, CONDUCTOR
The Fred and Jane Wittlinger Chair in Music Performance
Introduction
It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost a year since the outbreak of COVID-19! For
Concordia University Chicago’s touring music ensembles, thinking back to a year
ago brings back memories of spring tours cut short by the declaration of a national
emergency. In that way, COVID-19 hit us pretty hard last spring!
The coronavirus and its repercussions have affected us in a wide variety of ways—
physically, emotionally, economically, spiritually. Each of us has felt these effects to
different degrees. You may have lost a family member to COVID, while many others
have not. You may have lost a job, while some others have been working overtime to
meet some new demand. You may be struggling to face each new day, while others
seem oblivious to the weight that is so real to you.
Given all of that, it is easy to wonder, where is God in all of this? Despite all of that—or rather because of
all of that—I am convinced that during this academic year at Concordia University Chicago, God’s presence
has been felt more strongly than it was in what we now think of as “pre-COVID” times. What is more, I
believe that most, if not every student who is about to share their substantial God-given talents and abilities
with you would concur. Because of all the challenges confronting us—and because of the forces that keep
us from freely making music together—we are more thankful than ever for God’s gift of music to us, for the
opportunity to make music together and to share the Gospel of Christ with you through that music. We feel
God’s presence among us with every note we play or sing, with every phrase we shape, with every piece
that allows us to express what is in our hearts.
Yes, COVID-19 has brought about challenges and hardships which are very real and that call for the support
of family, friends, neighbors, the government, the Church. They should not be diminished. But some good
has come about because of the virus. One example is that this concert may reach an even wider audience
than our previous livestreamed concerts have. If you are one of those witnessing a CUC concert for the
first time—or the first time in quite some time—welcome! We are pleased that the gifts of our Creator and
Redeemer are reaching you, to bring about some good in your world!
We hope you enjoy the concert.
“
Jonathan Kohrs, Chair
Music Department We feel God’s presence among
Concordia University Chicago
us with every note we play
or sing, with every phrase we
shape, with every piece that
allows us to express what is in
our hearts.
– JONATHAN KOHRS
2 WIND SYMPHONY
Wind Symphony THE PROGRAM
Rise Up (2020) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brooke Pierson (b. 1987)
Wayfaring Stranger (2015) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christopher M. Nelson (b. 1987)
Joropo (ca. 1940; 2015) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Moises Moleiro (1904-1979)
arr. Johan de Meij
Concerto in B-flat (1736; 2000) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . George Frederick Handel (1685-1759)
arr. Charles T. Yeago
I. Allegro
Peter Stigdon, harp
Danse Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah (1867-1874) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Camille Saint-Saens (1835-1921)
arr. Jay Bocook
The Symphonic Gershwin (ca. 1980) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . George Gershwin (1898-1937)
arr. Warren Barker
My Song Is Love Unknown (2021) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Ben Culli (b. 1975)
Transcendent Journey (2010) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rossano Galante (b. 1967)
Who Puts His Trust in God Most Just (1978) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tune, Joachim Magdeburg (1525–1587)
chorale, Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
arr. James Croft
SPRING 2021 3
Program Notes
Rise Up Joropo
Brooke Pierson Moises Moleiro
Rise Up is the concert band arrangement of a Venezuelan pianist and composer Moisés Moleiro
winning fanfare from the annual Dallas Winds Sánchez’s most popular work is Joropo, composed
fanfare competition. It is a joyous and energetic for piano solo. This charming and lively work is a
opener with a beautiful melodic middle section. typical dance from Venezuela in 3/8 time. Johan de
Brooke Pierson (b. 1987) holds a BA in music Meij, who was appointed regular guest conductor
education from Michigan State University and is with the Simón Bolívar Youth Wind Orchestra in
currently Chair of the Fine Arts Department at the 2010, orchestrated Joropo for wind orchestra. It
Washtenaw International High School and Middle was written as an encore piece for the SBYWO, and
Academy (Ypsilanti, MI), teaching orchestra, band, is dedicated to the founder of El Sistema, Maestro
music history, music culture and music composition. José Antonio Abreu. It has become the favorite
He has held this position since the school’s encore for the SBYWO for their concerts around
inception in 2011. the world.
—Program note by publisher
Wayfaring Stranger
Concerto in B-flat
Christopher M. Nelson
George Frederick Handel
Wayfaring Stranger is a setting of the American
Handel’s Harp Concerto was published as an organ
folk spiritual known as “Poor Wayfaring Stranger.”
concerto in Opus 4 in 1738, and may originally have
While many versions of the lyrics to this tune exist,
been composed in that form. Indeed, as published,
they all tell the story of a traveler who makes his
the Concerto works on either instrument. Handel’s
way on a journey despite a rough road, difficult
organ concertos were written to be interludes
circumstances and gathering darkness. He does
for him to play during his oratorios, on the organ
this, the lyrics say, for the promise of green
he had available in the theater—a chamber organ
pastures and a reunion with his father and mother
with one keyboard and no pedal-board—so they
at journey’s end. This setting is intended to convey
do not include a part to be played with the feet in
not only the difficulty experienced by the traveler,
addition to the right and left hands. The Concerto
but also the resolve which is displayed as he moves
in B-flat is conjectured to be the one described as
forward despite hardship and disappointment.
a concerto for “Harp, Lute, Lyrichord [a keyboard
Wayfaring Stranger is offered as a sort of resolute
instrument that sounded the strings with a bowing
battle-hymn for anyone who must endure a long
mechanism, rather like a hurdy-gurdy] and other
journey of challenge and trial before the promised
Instruments” that was performed in February 1736
green pastures can be enjoyed.
during Handel’s Saint Cecilia’s Day ode Alexander’s
Christopher M. Nelson is an educator, composer, Feast. Saint Cecilia was the patron saint of music,
arranger and percussionist. Currently, he serves and odes to her were always about the power of
as the director of bands at Timpangos High music (Alexander’s Feast tells the story of how a
School in Orem, UT. Chris has performed with bard used music to manipulate Alexander the Great
the Utah Premiere Brass and has recorded for in the celebration after his conquest of Persia), so
the international television station BYU TV. He unusual or lavish displays of instrumental sound
holds a Master of Arts in music performance with were expected.
a conducting emphasis from Washington State
University and a Bachelor of Music in instrumental
music education from Brigham Young University in
Provo, UT.
4 WIND SYMPHONY
Danse Bacchanale From Samson and Delilah Transcendent Journey
Camille Saint-Saens Rosanno Galante
Over the span of eight and a half decades, Camille With the first sounds of Transcendent Journey,
Saint-Saens composed over three hundred works in I wanted to create a big, powerful, exhilarating
a huge range of genres, performed in hundreds of chord that would grab the listener right away. The
concerts as pianist and organist, taught countless introduction is the beginning of our “journey” and
pupils, championed new composers, helped revive gives a melodic hint, stated by horns, to the heroic
the works of Bach and Handel (composers he main theme. The main theme should evoke not only
adored), and was known in every corner of the the heroic quality of the melody, but also its beauty.
music world. This was suited perfectly for the trumpets. The
The biblical story of the heroic Hebraic strongman listener should feel as though they can accomplish
and his dangerous and enticing lover/betrayer anything, no matter how challenging. I feel this is
has enjoyed a steady presence in opera houses a melody that transcends all my others. The same
worldwide. Extracted from the colorful score, the theme is then stated in the horns and woodwinds,
famous Danse Bacchanale that accompanies the accompanied with rhythmic hits by the rest of the
ballet sequence in the opera depicts the revelry ensemble, creating a stalwart sound.
of the Temple of Dagon in Act III before Samson, Then a short B section is introduced, performed
now blinded, is brought to the temple and chained by piccolo and oboe with delicate accompaniment.
to the pillars. Serpentine melodies, emphatic Note the light, relaxed feeling of joy in this section
timpani and overall exoticism engage the senses in contrast to the heroic material in the opening.
in a kaleidoscopic and sensuous aural feast. Listen Following the B section, the main theme returns,
for the opening oboe solo and the horns and this time played by flutes, capturing the sensitive
trombones at the end! aspects of the heroic theme. We now move into
the slower section of the composition. This warm
The Symphonic Gershwin melody is almost wistful with a sad, yearning
George Gershwin quality. It is repeated three times, each time getting
Warren Barker has masterfully combined the stronger, more emotional and more climactic.
most memorable themes from Gershwin’s great The final section is a fast-paced version of the
symphonic works into a dramatic work for concert introduction that includes extensive percussion and
band. It includes music from An American in Paris, woodwind ostinati. Exhilaration and achievement
Cuban Overture and Rhapsody in Blue. is what I am trying to convey here. We finally
—Program note by publisher
complete our “journey” with a slower, grand
statement of the main theme performed by
trumpets and trombones. The piece ends with tutti
ensemble bringing the “transcendent journey” to
an end.
—Program note by composer
Who Puts His Trust in God Most Just
Who puts his trust
In God most just
Hath built his house securely;
He who relies
On Jesus Christ,
Shall reach His heav’n most surely.
Then fixed on Thee
My trust shall be,
For Thy truth cannot alter;
While mine Thou art
Nor death’s worst smart
Shall make my courage falter.
—Joachim Magdeburg
SPRING 2021 5
My Song is Love Unknown
arr. Ben Culli
6 WIND SYMPHONY
Wind Symphony ABOUT US
The Concordia University Chicago Wind Symphony
has performed in 43 states, Canada, Europe, Asia and
South Africa and enjoys an unparalleled reputation
among small liberal arts institutions. Since the Wind
Symphony began touring internationally, they have
performed concerts in Germany, the Czech Republic,
Poland, Hungary and Slovakia. In May 2005, 2009
and 2013, the ensemble performed concerts in 10
cities in China, including Shanghai and Beijing. In May
2017, the Wind Symphony toured South Africa where
they performed Johan de Meij’s African Harmony,
commissioned by the group especially for their tour.
Additionally, the Wind Symphony has played major
concerts at Carnegie Hall, Chicago’s Symphony Center,
the Meyerson Center in Dallas, the Weidner Center at
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Uihlein Hall at the
Marcus Center in Milwaukee, the Saginaw Civic Center,
and the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln, NE.
The Wind Symphony has commissioned and premiered
numerous wind compositions and produced 16
acclaimed recordings of sacred wind repertoire.
These recordings have been played on National Public
Radio; WFMT-FM, the classical station in Chicago; The
Lutheran Hour; and almost daily on the Moody Bible
Network in 40 cities throughout the United States.
They performed to multiple standing ovations as the
showcase ensemble at the New York City Wind Band
Festival at Carnegie Hall in 2014 and 2019.
If you would like the Wind Symphony to perform at
your church on an upcoming tour, please contact tour
manager Rachel Leininger at
Rachel.Leininger@CUChicago.edu or 708-209-3524.
SPRING 2021 7
8 WIND SYMPHONY
Wind Symphony Members
William Bales Larry Brown Micah Brown Meg Busse Emily Cherington Moira Delaney
Knoxville, TN Glenview, IL Alexandria, MN Lombard, IL Houston, TX Romeoville, IL
Elementary Ed.,LTE CLARINET English, Pre-seminary OBOE Secondary Ed. LTE Nursing
FRENCH HORN ALTO SAXOPHONE FRENCH HORN BASSOON
Francisco Diaz Chloe Dugas Regan Edkin Ulysses Espino Chuck Foster Daniela Gama
River Grove, IL Grinnell, IA Illinois City, IL Chicago, IL River Forest, IL Des Moines, IA
Psychology Music, Math minor Psychology Music FRENCH HORN Psychology/Spanish
TRUMPET FLUTE, PICCOLO CLARINET STRING BASS FLUTE
Michael Giera Melanie Goman Joel Hacker Nicholas Hansen Justin Headley Isabelle Hefele
Hickory Hills, IL Chicago, IL Sheboygan, WI Lindenwood, IL Baltimore, MD St. Louis, MO
Music Education Secondary Ed. English Business Management Music Education Secondary Ed. Math K-12 Spanish Ed., LTE
TROMBONE FLUTE TUBA CLARINET TROMBONE TRUMPET
Brooke Hockemeyer Jordan Holliday Alexa Hoover Anthony Howard Michael Kahles Brendan Krueger
Fort Wayne, IN Berkeley, IL Fort Wayne, IN Chicago, IL Elmhurst, IL Frankenmuth, MI
Secondary Ed. Math, Director of Parish Elementary Ed., LTE Music Education CLARINET Music Education
LTE Music PERCUSSION TUBA EUPHONIUM
ALTO SAXOPHONE FRENCH HORN
SPRING 2021 9
Andrew Kuhnau Melody Lipke Samuel Marquart Rachel Mueller Joecel Mariz Orbon Caleb Pieper
Watertown, MN Alamosa, CO Fort Wayne, IN Grand Rapids, MI Franklin Park, IL Algonquin, IL
Music Education English, Music minor Music, Pre-seminary Secondary Ed. Psychology Music Education
TRUMPET FLUTE TRUMPET History, LTE FLUTE/PICCOLO TRUMPET
FLUTE
Aaron Reynolds Nathaniel Schmidt Andrew Schroeder Adam Schweyer Lydia Smith Victoria Steele
Fort Wayne, IN Gaharra, OH Kendallville, IN Fort Wayne, IN Dyer, IN Elizabethtown, KY
Music/Music Education Music Education Music Education Music Education English, Music & Exercise Science
TRUMPET TUBA TROMBONE PERCUSSION Art minor BASSOON
FLUTE
Lydia Steinhaus Peter Stigdon Daniel Thoelke Benjamin Verswijver Karolina Zawitkowska
Fairmont, MN Catonsville, MD St. Peters, MO Houston, TX Wood Dale, IL
BASSOON Director of Parish Theological Languages Music Education Music Education
Music BASS CLARINET BASS CLARINET FRENCH HORN
HARP, ORGAN, PIANO
10 WIND SYMPHONYHelp ensure the encore
lasts a lifetime.
Studying and performing Lutheran music
has always been a cornerstone of the
Concordia University Chicago experience.
Renovations to our Recital Hall are long overdue,
since it has not been fully renovated since the 1970s.
The Recital Hall is home to Kapelle (touring choir), Schola
Cantorum (daily chapel choir), Männerchor (men’s choir),
Laudate (women’s choir) and the University Handbell Choir.
Students rely on this room for music classes, practice space,
and solo recitals. The Recital Hall is also used for high school
student auditions and our Community Piano Program
(K-12) solo recitals.
We invite you to make a gift to complete renovations including
acoustic treatments, audiovisual technology and new windows.
Your philanthropic support will elevate the quality of our music
facilities to match the quality of our musicianship!
CUChicago.edu/GiveNow
Contact Naomi Tselepis, Senior Philanthropy Advisor
at Naomi.Tselepis@cuchicago.edu or 708-209-314212 WIND SYMPHONY
The Conductor DR. RICHARD FISCHER
DR. RICHARD FISCHER, the Fred
and Jane Wittlinger Endowed
Chair for Music Performance, is
in his 47th year as director of
bands at Concordia University
Chicago, River Forest, IL. Dr.
Fischer conducts the Wind
Symphony and University
Band, and also teaches basic
and advanced-level conducting
courses. He holds the Bachelor
of Music Education and Master
of Music degrees from DePaul
University, and the Doctor
of Musical Arts degree from
Michigan State University where
he studied under
Eugene Corporon.
Dr. Fischer and the Wind
Symphony have performed
concerts in almost every state
in the United States and in
Canada, Europe, Asia and South Africa. The Wind Dr. Fischer is in frequent demand as a presenter,
Symphony has had the honor of performing at guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator in the
many music festivals and conferences including United States, Canada, South Africa, Japan and
the College Band Directors National Association Australia. In 1994, he was named to the “A Team”
(CBDNA), the Illinois Music Educators Conference of University Professors by the Chicago Tribune.
(ILMEA), and numerous times at convocations of Dr. Fischer has been honored to present and guest
the Lutheran Education Association (LEA). Having conduct at local universities in Nagoya, Japan every
performed to multiple standing ovations at December for the past four years. In May 2018,
Carnegie Hall in 2014, the Wind Symphony was Dr. Fischer gave the keynote address at the
honored to again be invited to be the showcase national convention of the Association for Concert
ensemble for the New York City Wind Band Bands held in Buffalo, NY.
Festival at Carnegie Hall in March 2019. Dr. Fischer’s professional affiliations include the
Under Dr. Fischer’s direction, the Wind Symphony College Band Director National Association, World
has commissioned, premiered and recorded Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles,
numerous wind band compositions, most notably National Association for Music Educators, Illinois
the U.S. premiere of Johan de Meij’s The Lord of Music Educators Association, and the National Band
the Rings in the fall of 1989. They have recorded Association. He and his wife Kathy (Kolb BA ’77)
16 compact discs (over 150 works) of sacred reside in River Forest, IL, and have three grown
wind music. The Wind Symphony’s most recent children: Joy, Julie and Jonathan.
recording, Let My Love Be Heard, features both
sacred and secular music.
SPRING 2021 13The Department MUSIC
Full-time Faculty Adjunct Faculty
Music Department Maurice Boyer, DMA Mark Anderson, Cello
Mission Statement University of Maryland Fionna Bezaire, Piano
The Music Department College Park, MD Meg Busse, Oboe
at Concordia University Charles P. Brown, DMA Becky Coffman, Violin, Viola
Chicago recognizes that University of Arizona Nathalie Colas, Voice
music is a gift of God and Tucson, AZ Robert Everson, Percussion
a means through which all Cynthia Fudala, Flute
Richard R. Fischer, DMA Kirk Garrison, Jazz Band,
people can participate in Michigan State University
the richness of the human Jazz Improv, Trumpet
East Lansing, MI Kurtis Gildow, Tuba
experience. As a cultural
expression that sheds Jonathan Kohrs, MFA Paul Henry, Guitar
light on both the individual Vermont College of Maria Honigschnabel, Piano
and society, music is an Fine Arts Kuang-Hao Huang, Piano
essential component of a Montpelier, VT Jeffrey Kleinsorge, Piano Prep
liberal arts education. Jonathan Stahlke, DMA Emily Lee, Piano Prep
College-Conservatory of Music Christopher Lorimer, Voice
In accordance with Cincinnati, OH Susan Nelson, Voice
these beliefs, the Esther Nyberg, Piano Prep
department fulfills the Emeriti Faculty Patrick Rehker, Clarinet
University mission by Jeremy Ruthrauff, Saxophone
forming musicians who Natalie Jenne, DMA Dianne Ryan, Bassoon
will be servant leaders Stanford University Julie Spring, Harp
and advocates for the Palo Alto, CA Thomas Stark, Trombone,
transformative power of Evangeline Rimbach, PhD Euphonium
music in church, school Eastman School of Music Christine Steyer, Voice
and community. The University of Rochester, NY Katrina Sudman, Piano Prep
department provides Steven Wente, DMus John Tuck, Bass
Concordia-Chicago Northwestern University Renée Vogen, Horn
students a variety of Evanston, IL Steven Wente, Organ
opportunities to study and
perform music, enabling Administrative Staff
their lifelong growth and Laura Zimmer, MCM
involvement in the arts, Concordia University Chicago
while enriching the River Forest, IL
larger community. Administrative Assistant
Rachel Leininger, BA
Concordia University Chicago
River Forest, IL
Music Tour Manager
14 WIND SYMPHONYRemembering
Carl(1929-2021)
Schalk
The Concordia-Chicago family was saddened to hear of the recent
passing of Dr. Carl Schalk (HS ‘48, BS ‘52), Distinguished Professor
Emeritus of Music and 2018 Spiritus Christi honoree.
Dr. Schalk had an immeasurable impact on the Church and world. We
all have been blessed by his musical compositions, and the students he
taught and the collaborators with whom he worked have been blessed
by his wisdom, humor and musical gifts. His legacy as a servant of the
faith and as a Lutheran church musician is unmatched. His contributions
as a faculty member of the University and as a composer for the
Church will continue to inspire and touch lives for generations.
A remarkable servant of our Lord, Dr. Schalk taught at Concordia-
Chicago from 1965 to 1994. He was an integral figure in the establishing
of the University’s Master of Church Music program and the journal
Church Music. He helped develop Worship Supplement (1969) and,
as a member of the Inter-Lutheran Commission on Worship, was
instrumental in the preparation of the Lutheran Book of
Worship (1978).
Dr. Schalk composed hundreds of hymns, carols and choral
compositions that are used by most all Christian denominations.
Particularly meaningful to the CUC community is the hymn he wrote for
the University’s 150th anniversary, “O God Our Father, Source
and Destination.”
With Carlos Messerli, Dr. Schalk established the Lutheran Music
Program, the parent organization of the Lutheran Summer Music
Academy and Festival. During the summer of 2009, the Lutheran
Summer Music community was introduced to Dr. Schalk’s choral
settings of Luther’s morning and evening prayers. Each summer since
then, his setting of Luther’s morning prayer has served to gather the
community each day in song.
In 2010, Dr. Schalk co-founded CUC’s Center for Church Music to help
preserve the history of Christian church music; to foster appreciation
and understanding of the Church’s song among pastors, musicians and
laity; and to inspire the next generation of sacred music composers.
Even in the last few months of his life, he continued to compose music,
write articles and books, as well as conduct research and participate in
webinars on worship and music from his home.
We invite the entire Concordia-Chicago community to keep Dr. Schalk’s
family, colleagues and musical collaborators in your prayers. We look
forward to honoring and celebrating his life and legacy when we can
all lift our voices together. Those who wish to honor Dr. Schalk at his
alma mater are invited to direct gifts to Concordia-Chicago’s Center for
Church Music.
CUCHICAGO.EDU/GIVENOW
SPRING 2021 15Wind Symphony SPRING TOUR
CONCERTS
Hartland, WI Jackson, WI Sheboygan, WI
Wednesday, March 10 Thursday, March 11 Friday, March 12
12:50 p.m. 1 p.m. 2 p.m. High School &
Lake Country Lutheran Living Word Lutheran Grade Schools
High School High School 7:30 p.m. From Coast to
401 Campus Dr. 2230 Living Word Ln. Coast: Praising Father,
Son, and Holy Ghost
Lutheran High School
3323 University Dr.
Home Concert
FRIDAY, MARCH 19 8 P.M.
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO
CHAPEL OF OUR LORD
Watch live at CUChicago.edu/Live
LEARN MORE AT CUCHICAGO.EDU/WINDSYMPHONY
7400 AUGUSTA ST.
RIVER FOREST, IL 60305
800-285-2668 | CUCHICAGO.EDUYou can also read
