UNT Concert Orchestra to perform commissioned work by Grammy nominee and jazz professor Rich DeRosa

Tuesday, April 5, 2016 - 14:02
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The University of North Texas College of Music Concert Orchestra will perform commissioned
The University of North Texas College of Music Concert Orchestra will perform commissioned "Suite for an Anniversary" by Grammy nominee and jazz professor Rich DeRosa. Photo by Michael Clements.

What: University of North Texas College of Music Concert Orchestra performs UNT commissioned "Suite for an Anniversary" by Grammy nominee and jazz professor Rich DeRosa.

When: 8 p.m. April 20 (Wednesday).

Where: Margot and Bill Winspear Performance Hall, located in the Murchison Performing Arts Center, 2100 I35E Frontage Road, Denton.

Cost: $10 for adults; $8 for seniors, non-UNT students, children (12 and under), UNT faculty, staff and retirees, and groups of 10 or more; and are free for UNT students with valid ID. UNT students may pick up their ticket in person at the Murchison Box Office.

More information: For a complete list of UNT College of Music events, including faculty and student recitals, visit the College of Music online calendar at http://music.unt.edu/calendar and connect with the College of Music on Facebook and on Twitter at @UNTCoM.

DENTON (UNT), Texas -- It has been an exciting time for University of North Texas jazz professor Rich DeRosa. First, he was named chief conductor of the Grammy award-winning WDR Big Band in Germany for the 2014-16 season. Then, in December, he was nominated for a Grammy for his composition "Neil," performed by the One O'Clock Lab Band. Now his work that was commissioned by UNT will be performed by the College of Music's Concert Orchestra as part of the university's 125 years celebration. The work, which will debut at the UNT Wingspan Gala, will be presented to an audience at 8 p.m. April 20 in Margot and Bill Winspear Performance Hall.

"This music composition showcases some of the extraordinary talent within UNT's College of Music – both in the classical and jazz programs," DeRosa said. "The instrumentation includes a full orchestra and an additional jazz rhythm section with an improvising saxophonist."

The first section of the work is bold and celebratory and builds up to the tenor saxophone solo as the featured improviser that sustains the mood in a more impromptu manner. As the improvisation comes to a close, the mood of the second section becomes more serene as it reflects UNT's humble origin. The third part commemorates Denton's development in the 19th century.

"This section is firmly rooted in the 'old American West,'" DeRosa said. "It suggests the bold and rugged energy of the American frontier and its people during that time. The rhythm section and improvising saxophonist rejoin the orchestra and are featured in a modernized Western swing style."

The final section evolves into what DeRosa calls a "whirlwind of energy" typical of America's – and UNT's – development during the 20th and 21st centuries.

"This section offers the grandest moments within the entire suite as its energy ultimately drives to the reprise of the main theme," said DeRosa. "The closing moments of the suite provide a final, celebratory punctuation."

Tickets for the performance cost $10 for adults; $8 for seniors, non-UNT students, children (12 and under), UNT faculty, staff and retirees, and groups of 10 or more; and are free for UNT students with valid ID. UNT students may pick up their ticket in person at the Murchison Performing Arts Center Box Office. To purchase tickets for the performance, call the box office at 940-369-7802 or visit the center's website. Some concerts are streamed live online.

About the UNT College of Music

The College of Music is one of the largest and most respected comprehensive music schools in the world. Approximately 1,500 music students attend the college each year, participating in nearly 70 widely varied ensembles while engaged in specialized studies in performance, composition, conducting, jazz studies, music education, music history, music theory or ethnomusicology. Music students, alumni and faculty have made appearances on the world's finest stages, have produced numerous recordings with many receiving Grammy awards and nominations, and have written influential texts in a variety of areas in music scholarship. Distinguished University alumni can be found around the globe in top music ensembles, opera companies, universities, and schools.

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