Last performance of the year is tonight
Kirkwood Community College will round out the Fine and Performing Arts series with two concerts. The Concert Band will perform in Ballantyne Auditorium under the direction of Kirkwood Music Professor Beth Zamzow Thursday, May 5, at 7:30 p.m. The Concert Chorale will perform a collection of contemporary pieces on Friday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m., under the direction of Kirkwood Vocal Music Director Ray Salucka.
The Concert Band will highlight a theme of celebration and musical fun with pieces such as “The Black Horse Troop,” “Symphony No. 94 in G Major, ‘Surprise’” and “Procession of Nobles.” The night includes a mix of musical selections spanning many centuries, but will wrap up with a current piece featured in the famed theater production West Side Story. The concert features performances by the Brass and Woodwind Choir.
Kirkwood Concert Band is a partnership of current college music students, alumni and other interested area volunteer musicians who appreciate the unique repertoire of traditional concert band music. The band members have an age range spanning several decades joined by their enjoyment of performance. In addition to this concert, the band will perform at the college’s annual commencement ceremonies Saturday morning, May 14, at the U.S. Cellular Center.
On the following night, the Concert Chorale’s nearly 40 voices will combine in “A Celebration of Song,” at the First Presbyterian Church of Cedar Rapids. The chorale opens with William Billings’ compilation of “Connection,” from the American Revolution period. Then the concert will move to twentieth century compositions by artists such as Jonathon Tauscher, Leonard Bernstein and Eric Whitacre. The evening features a performance by the Kirkwood Madrigal Singers. The group will sing seven songs, primarily from the Renaissance era.
Tickets for the May 5 and 6 performances of the Kirkwood Concert Band and Chorale are $8 for adults and $5 for seniors and students with a current ID. Kirkwood employees and students are admitted free. For advance tickets, please call (319) 398-5899, ext. 4331.