Dennis Gowen, MM Professor of Music and Conductor/Director of Bands & High Brass at UMary | University Of Mary
Dennis Gowen, MM Professor of Music and Conductor/Director of Bands & High Brass at UMary | University Of Mary
The University of Mary Concert Band is preparing for its annual Spring Concert, titled "Sweet Suites," scheduled for Sunday, March 16, at 3 p.m. The performance will take place in Founders Hall at the Lumen Vitae University Center on campus. This event continues a long-standing tradition of showcasing student musicians under the direction of Professor Dennis Gowen, who has been part of the university's band program since 1987.
"We are thrilled to present Sweet Suites this spring," said Gowen, professor of music and director of bands and high brass at Mary. "This performance will offer a wonderful taste of some of our finest musical treasures."
The concert will begin with the "Overture from Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks," celebrating its 275th anniversary this year. The program then moves through Europe with pieces such as Johan de Meij’s "Symphony No. 1: Lord of the Rings" and Jan Van der Roost’s "Puszta."
"Our Sweet Suites tour travels back to America with a sampling of Robert Russell Bennett’s jazz-inspired ‘Suite of Old American Dances,’" said Gowen. "This vibrant and nostalgic work is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year."
The event concludes with Antonín Dvořák’s "Slavonic Dance Op. 46, No. 8." Gowen added, “This magnificent collection of suites has been a joy for our students to prepare, and they are eager to share it with our wonderful regional audience.”
The concert is free and open to the public, inviting music lovers to enjoy an afternoon featuring dynamic performances by one of the region's leading collegiate ensembles.
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