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The Elder Conservatorium Wind Orchestra. Full Image (152.36K)

Thursday, 8 October 2009

Two works will receive their Australian premieres at Elder Hall on Saturday 17 October as part of the University of Adelaide's Evenings at ELDERHALL 2009 concert season.

Arctic Dreams was composed by American Michael Colgrass after his own experience of living above the Arctic Circle.

From the opening lone trombone singing out across the tundra, extraordinary images are portrayed in Arctic Dreams through music: the majesty of the Aurora Borealis (northern lights), the ghostly voices of wind and wolves, sailors trapped in the ice, herds of caribou stampeding and the joyous return of spring are all depicted in this work.

"Performing this work fulfils a dream of mine that began in 1994 when I first heard it," says Bob Hower, conductor of the Elder Conservatorium Wind Orchestra.

"The musical and technical challenges and the use of the Elder Hall acoustics to make this a truly three dimensional event are very exciting."

Other highlights in an evening full of contrasts include the Australian premiere of UK composer Adam Gorb's Adrenaline City, and Strauss's youthful Wind Serenade performed by the Elder Conservatorium's Wind Ensemble.

The evening also provides an opportunity to showcase the rich, warm sounds of the Elder Brass Ensemble under the direction of young, emerging conductor Bryan Griffiths. Percy Grainger's splendid Fanfare for the Duke of Marlborough will open this breathtaking concert.

WHAT: Elder Conservatorium Wind Orchestra featuring the Elder Brass and Wind Ensembles
WHERE: Elder Hall, North Terrace Campus, University of Adelaide
WHEN: 6.30pm Saturday 17 October
COST: Tickets are $25 (adult); $20 (concession) and $15 (student). Phone the Concert Office on (08) 8303 5925 for bookings.

For full program details visit: www.elderhall.adelaide.edu.au