UMD Percussion Ensemble Concert
Usually positioned at the back of the orchestra, the percussion section moves center stage to reveal the colorful, melodic potential of their instruments in this striking concert of contemporary music.
Usually positioned at the back of the orchestra, the percussion section moves center stage to reveal the colorful, melodic potential of their instruments in this striking concert of contemporary music.
Event information to be announced.
The complex interlocking rhythms of Balinese music on percussive instruments, the myriad expressions and the delicate motions of Balinese dance unite in the UMD Gamelan Saraswati. The quiet beauty, simplicity and harmonizing effect of Japanese nature are revealed in the music of the UMD Koto Ensemble.
Grammy-nominated trumpeter Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah is a modern musical innovator. A lover of jazz rooted in the conviction that all forms of musical expression have something to offer, he is hailed as the father of Stretch Music, a genre that strives to stretch jazz’s conventions to encompass as many other musical forms, languages and cultures as possible. From his critically acclaimed albums to his epic NPR Tiny Desk Concert, Scott’s trailblazing sounds and compelling presence consistently elicit palpable emotional responses from rapt audiences.
Experience the sights, sounds, and rhythms of Korean percussion — Samulnori!
Samulnori is an ensemble of four percussion instruments: an hourglass drum, a barrel drum, a small gong and a large gong. This exhilarating contemporary form of Korean music will be performed by the UMD Korean Percussion Ensemble. In addition, director Sebastian Wang will be accompanied by trained professionals who will perform some of the great repertoire of Samulnori.
New works, as well as breathing new life into music, give young instrumentalists and singers the opportunity to learn from living composers, collaborate with them and gain insight into the compositional process. This concert features original works by UMD student composers, including solo, chamber and electroacoustic performances.
UMD’s most popular choral ensembles present an evening of eclectic repertoire ranging from Renaissance madrigals to Barbershop arrangements.
Traditional Hawaiian culture with a modern sensibility comes to life when Kekuhi and Kaumakaiwa Kanaka’ole take the stage. Their chameleonic vocals vault through various registers and timbres from bass to witchy contralto rasp to sweet soprano. This award-winning, internationally touring mother and transgender daughter duo perform exquisite ’oli (chants), mele (songs) and stories.
In the final round of the annual competition, students compete for the opportunity to perform as soloists with the UMD Symphony Orchestra.
Finalists perform 15- to 20-minute excerpts of a concerto or concert piece for an independent jury panel.
After the jury deliberates, a winner, runner-up and second runner-up will be announced.
Small chamber groups of students perform repertoire for strings, woodwinds, brass and piano.
The culmination of rehearsal and coaching during the spring semester, this concert is an integral part of coursework for UMD School of Music students and provides a glimpse into the training they receive for performing in major ensembles.