Wind Symphony

The performance of significant works representing a variety of styles in the wind band repertoire has become the benchmark of this ensemble. Under the direction of Dr. Frederick Speck, the musicians are given the opportunity to perform at the highest level of musical and artistic standards. The ensemble has an active schedule of performances throughout the academic year and is comprised of the finest wind, brass, and percussionists at the University and the School of Music.

In addition to campus performances, the ensemble has been invited to perform at numerous professional association meetings. Such performances include the 1997, 1999, 2002, 2006 and 2011 KMEA In-Service Conferences, the 1998, 2002 and 2012 College Band Directors National Association-Southern Division Conferences, the 2000 MENC National Convention, the 2005 College Band Directors National Conference, and at the 2007 World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Conference in Killarney, Ireland. The WASBE Conference performance was acclaimed as “Un tour de force enorme” (Miguel Etchegoncelay, Argentina), “ein Konzert der Superlative” (Peter Bucher, Switzerland) and as “assertive musicality and powerful precision” by Chris Woodruff, USA). Also commenting on this concert was Timothy Reynish, World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, Past-President, who observed that "Cheetah … has to be played as brilliantly as this. Frederick Speck is a meticulous conductor, and the ensemble was on outstanding form, throwing Husa’s virtuosity off effortlessly… a concert which centered on the Grawemeyer composers Husa, Penderecki, Takemitsu and Joan Tower, and this was an intriguing, brilliantly played and conducted programme."

Welcome to Louisville Live! This part of our site allows you to hear samples from recent live concert performances. We hope that you enjoy the selections. In addition to listening on the web, please plan to join us in person at Comstock Concert  Hall for our future events.

Along with fabulous concerts by the Wind Symphony during the 2011-2012 academic year, our Chamber Players shared exciting performances with audiences in Louisville and beyond. During the spring semester, the Chamber Players toured, featuring an outstanding performance at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and an absolutely smashing show at the College Band Directors Southern Division Conference which was held at Kennesaw State University in Georgia. Following their wonderful concert performance at the conference, the ensemble then served as the demonstration group for a terrific conducting master class that was led by conference guest-artist, H. Robert Reynolds.

In addition, the Chamber Players have had the opportunity to feature faculty guest-artists Paul York, cello, Daniel Weeks, tenor and Amy Acklin, conductor. This installment of Louisville Live! will showcase performances by these fine musicians. What a joy it was to collaborate with them. 

Composer, Matthew Tommasini visited the University of Louisville campus from September 23-27, 2009 in conjunction with the world premiere performance of Torn Canvases.  The work is the result of a commission by the Big East Band Directors Association.

Torn Canvases is inspired by the abstract expressionist painting style of Jackson Pollock.  The piece imagines a video camera panning across a large canvas made up of layers of fragmented paint drippings and splotches.  The ensemble is divided into three groups on stage, each representing musical "layers" of chiming chords and fragmented jazz riffs, which are piled on one another, creating rhythmically charged collages of sound.  The climax of the work comes when the entire ensemble plays together, evoking the sound of a giant bell, transforming into the sound of a driving jazz ensemble.

Listen to the world premiere of Torn Canvases as performed by the University of Louisville Wind Ensemble.

Listen to Cheetah by Karel Husa as performed by the University of Louisville Wind Ensemble.

Listen to the following tracks  from Wind Symphony CD - Beyond Horizons: New Voices for Winds, Fred Speck, Director

1. L'Homme Armé: Variations for Wind Ensemble .....Christopher Marshall
2. Kizuna............................................................................Frederick Speck
3. Magneticfirelies............................................................Augusta Read Thomas
4. Tales from the Center of the Earth...........................Nebojsa Zivkovic with Benjamin Toth, percussion
5. Fanfare for Louisville..................................................Witold Lutoslawski
6. Open Four.....................................................................Paul Brink with Paul York, violoncello
7. Desi................................................................................Michael Daugherty

Etchegoncelay Review:  Word Document /  Adobe PDF Document

Woodruff Review:  Word Document /  Adobe PDF Document

Bucher Review: Word Document / Adobe PDF Document