die Moldau (from Má vlast) ……………………………………………………………by Bedřich Smetana, runtime 14min
An der shönen blauen Donau (Blue Danube Waltz) ……………………….by Johann Strauss, Jr., runtime 9min
Refugence…………………………………………………………………………………by Christian Ellenwood, runtime 15min
**Intermission**
Grand Canyon Suite.…………………………………………………………………………….by Ferde Grofé, runtime 31min
Christian Ellenwood is a composer, clarinetist, and teacher based near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His compositions have been performed internationally and throughout the United States at major venues such as Carnegie Hall and at international concerts, festivals, and conferences, and his music has been broadcast over several major classical networks, including Chicago’s WFMT.
A passionate clarinetist, he performs as principal clarinetist with the Skylight Opera of Milwaukee, the Woodstock Mozart Festival/Midwest Mozart Festival, and appears regularly with other orchestras and ensembles in the region, including the Milwaukee Ballet, Bel Canto Chamber Orchestra of Milwaukee, Madison Symphony, and Madison Opera. Chamber music collaborations include performances with the Grammy Award-winning Ying Quartet as well as artists such as LA Phil principal cellist Robert DeMaine, violinist Mark Peskanov, and pianist Christopher Taylor.
Committed to fostering and nurturing human growth through the art of music, he proudly serves as Professor of Clarinet at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where his contributions have received many commendations, including the W. P. Roseman Award, UW-Whitewater’s highest honor for excellence in teaching. He also assists young composers growth through the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra’s John Downey Creation project, sponsored by Present Music.
Refulgence was commissioned by Milwaukee Musaik in celebration of its 50th anniversary as the provider the finest chamber orchestral music in the Milwaukee area. The ensemble was founded by Milwaukee Symphony oboist Stephen Colburn. Richard Hynson served as its second music director and conductor for eight years.
Here is the dedication printed in his piece Refulgence:
[Refulgence is] dedicated to Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra/Milwaukee Musaik, with profound affection and admiration, and in celebration of 50 years of resplendent music-making–extending from its origins as the Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra to the dynamic and virtuosic consortium into which it has grown.
For complete information, application form, and excerpts for all instruments, please see our Auditions page.
24-25 Concert Schedule:
09/28/24, 3pm – The Planets, E.T. Suite
12/21/24, 3pm – Christmas Concert
02/08/25, 3pm – Appalachian Spring, Copland’s Quiet City
04/11/25, 7pm – Grand Canyon Suite, Die Moldau, Capriccio Espagnol
05/16/25, 7pm – Classical Bites (Symphony Chamber Recital)
Seeking great players to fill out all of our strings sections, especially violins and cello.
Thank you for visiting our webpage!
Less than 2% of communities in the United States have symphony orchestras. This September the Kettle Moraine Symphony begins its 56th season, and I begin my eighth as music director. I couldn’t be more excited about the great concerts that we have planned for you.
We are performing remarkable music, live and in-person. Starting with Holst’s The Planets and John Williams’ music from ET, we will feature great works throughout the season, including Copland’s Appalachian Spring and Quiet City, Smetana’s Die Moldau, and Ferde Grofé’s Grand Canyon Suite. These iconic works connect us all to our inner selves and they create community. Few experiences combine singular talent honed by years of dedicated study and practice, thrust onto the razor’s edge of live performance!
Over the past eight seasons, we have connected with new audiences and we have collaborated with the music programs of local schools to create extraordinary artistic experiences for hundreds of student instrumentalists and singers.
An active orchestra in one’s community is an important indication of civic health. Orchestras have an economic impact, from employing musicians and engaging volunteers to bringing patrons into town on concert days. There is also the intangible impact of creativity, collaboration, and artistry that occurs when one hears a performance or when members of an orchestra interact with students. We all can experience a sense of distinct public value and civic pride that our orchestra brings to the northern Kettle Moraine.
Please join us for all of our performances! You will be glad that you did.
Please follow our Facebook page for our latest updates, entertaining posts gathered from all over the Internet, and contributions from our musicians. Find us at https://www.facebook.com/KettleMoraineSymphony/
Kettle Moraine Symphony invites you to experience what great regional orchestra can be. With over 60 semi-professional musicians under the direction of Maestro Richard Hynson, KMS is reaching new heights with each performance!
If you’re not yet an established fan of live orchestral music, with KMS it’s easy to give it a try. With attractive ticket prices and venues a short drive away, come and “get classical” with us!
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