The University of Florida Wind Symphony Presents “Premieres and Old Friends”

Join us Sunday, April 13th at 3:oo pm in the Curtis M. Phillips Center for an afternoon of spectacular musical works, both new and time-tested, as we celebrate the expansive and impactful career of Dr. David Waybright, musical director of the University of Florida bands. Under his direction, the Wind Symphony will premiere THREE new pieces by significant composers:

Modern Legacy, by contemporary visionary Gala Flagello, takes the audience through three movements inspired by the sounds and styles of landmark works for winds, namely, the Gran Partita by Mozart, Dvořák’s Serenade for Winds in D minor, and Stravinsky’s Concerto for Piano and Winds.

Dreams of Dalí, by Grammy-award-winning composer, Michael Daugherty provides listeners with an aural gallery of the life and works of renowned Spanish painter and filmmaker, Salvador Dalí. The piece gives a musical interpretation of some of his most significant works, such as Persistence of Memory (1931), Spellbound (1945), and The Hallucinogenic Toreador (1968-70).

Triton’s Trumpet, in this newly commissioned piece, composer Paul Richards shares a narrative about Triton, a son of Poseidon, as he emerges from the depths of the seas to commit godly acts. This single movement piece consists of four distinct parts and is representative of Dr. David Waybright himself as a trumpet player, avid scuba diver, and past scuba instructor.

In addition to these premieres, there will be a debut performance of the University of Florida Alumni Wind Symphony to commemorate the achievement of Dr. David Waybright further. This ensemble will present a program with a lot of variety. These selections include: Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral by Richard Wagner; an expansive and slow-building piece with rich Wagnerian harmony, Men of Florida by Henry Fillmore; a musical staple for the University of Florida and the Gainesville community alike, Aurora Awakes by acclaimed composer John Mackey; offering a musical depiction of the Roman goddess of dawn, and Unidad en Ritmo by Michele Fernandez; an exciting piece that focuses on cultural unity and blends Afro-Cuban and jazz inspired styles with the modern wind symphony.

We hope you will join us for the free and significant performance. NO TICKET REQUIRED.