Music

Classic to Contemporary Music of The American Wind Symphony Orchestra

American Wind Symphony concerts begin with the spectacular opening of the music shell on Point Counterpoint II, AWSO’s floating stage and art center. As the roof rises on hydraulic lifts the first strains of Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” are heard – and an evening of fascinating sights and sounds is revealed.

The musicians are arrayed in a series of stainless steel sculptured “trees,” so that all are visible. Even the percussionists perform right out front, with their gleaming batteries of timpani, drums, mallet instruments, chimes and bells.

Music programs are varied and interesting, including classics such as Handel’s “Water Music” or Mozart’s “Grande Serenade,” as well as newly commissioned works, Broadway medleys and Sousa marches.

Since the AWSO’s early days in its 54-year history, Robert Boudreau has been searching out exciting young composers, and has commissioned over 450 works. In his 55th anniversary season, Boudreau will introduce thirteen new works, emphasizing the AWSO’s longstanding ties to our neighbors in the Americas by including four compositions from Latin American composers, as well as works from Latvian, Estonian, Japanese and French composers.

French composer Karol Beffa has written a brilliant work called “Burning Bright” for wind orchestra, while the Japanese Kaoru Wada features the flute family in his new composition. AWSO harpist Chen-Yu Huang will be featured in Mexican composer Enrique Santos’ “Concertino for Harp and Winds.”

At the end of the evening AWSO audiences are electrified by one or the other of two tour de force works for percussion and wind orchestra. Cuban composer Leo Brouwer’s “Cancion de Gesta” takes the audience on an epic voyage of sound and rhythm; while Japanese Kaoru Wada’s “Three Fragments” develops and mounts into a stunning climax using Japanese traditional instruments.

All in all, a Wind Symphony performance is an unforgettable experience for the whole family!

You can now listen to AWSO year ’round by purchasing our recordings at the AWSO Record Shop. We have created a 10 disc collection for you to enjoy.

Commissioned musical scores of the American Wind Symphony Orchestra are available for purchase at AWSO Original Scores

AWSO Composers

The recorded sound tracks and commissioned musical scores of the American Wind Symphony Orchestra are available for purchase at the AWSO Shop.