BISHOP CARROLL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (BCSO) and choirs

I created this setting of "Боже Bеликий" (Prayer for Ukraine) based on the version I grew up singing in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canada. This arrangement varies from the original by Lysenko, because it was transcribed from memory by a Ukrainian immigrant to Canada in the 1930's, and then modified over time through decades of being sung each week at St. John's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Edmonton. This prayer is sung at the end of the church service, and has become the unofficial Hymn of Ukraine. 

In 2019, I traveled to Ukraine to visit family members. One of my personal highlights was attending an Orthodox service in Chernivtsi, where this prayer was sung by the congregation at the end of the service. Singing this prayer on the soil of Ukraine was visceral.

Please join us in prayer for the health and safety of those affected by war.

-Andrea Ciona

Wind Ensemble

Flourish for Wind Band by Ralph Vaughan Williams

This short work (only about 90 seconds long) was scored for military band with numerous clarinets, cornets, saxophones, euphoniums and timpani. Having been written as an overture to a pageant in the Royal Albert Hall, the score was then lost -- only to reappear in 1971. Upon its discovery the work was adapted twice by Roy Douglas -- first for brass band and then for symphony orchestra. The orchestral version is scored for wind instruments, together with double basses, timpani and percussion. This version had its first performance by the Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra in 1974. The original and the adaptations have all been published by Oxford University Press, although no recordings are known.

-Program Note by Steve Schwartz

Afternoon of a Faun, Debussy adapted for band by Harold Walters

Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune (L. 86), known in English as Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, is a symphonic poem for orchestra by Claude Debussy, approximately 10 minutes in duration. It was first performed in Paris on December 22, 1894, conducted by Gustave Doret.

It is one of Debussy's most famous works and is considered a turning point in the history of music; Pierre Boulez considered the score to be the beginning of modern music, observing that "the flute of the faun brought new breath to the art of music."

Debussy's work later provided the basis for the ballet Afternoon of a Faun choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky.

-Program Note from Wikipedia

Howls’ Moving Castle, by Hayao Miyazaki, arranged by Neagari.

Based on Hayao Miyazaki's animatied film "Howl's Moving Castle" (2004), this Symphonic Fantasy for Band was arranged for Neagari Jr. High School Band (Kazuhiro Tanaka- director) in Nomi, Ishikawa, Japan as concert contest non-test repertoire.

This work consists of 5 scenes which are freely adapted from Image Symphonic Suite (music released before the film's premier) and The Soundtrack:

1. The Allure of Dawn (Image Symphonic Suite)

2. Wandering Sophie (Soundtrack)

3. The Courageous Cavalry (Soundtrack)

4. The Boy Who Swallowed the Star (Soundtrack)

5. The Merry-go-round of Life (Soundtrack)

To maximize the wind band's unique sound and function, I have taken some liberty in spreading active roles throughout the ensemble. This is the motive behind the subtitle, Symphonic Fantasy for Band.

-Chris Herard

Symphonic Band

Gustav Holst’s First Suite in E-flat for Military Band occupies a legendary position in the wind band repertory and can be seen, in retrospect, as one of the earliest examples of the modern wind band instrumentation still frequently performed today. Its influence is so significant that several composers have made quotation or allusion to it as a source of inspiration to their own works.

Holst began his work with Chaconne, a traditional Baroque form that sets a series of variations over a ground bass theme. That eight-measure theme is stated at the outset in tubas and euphoniums and, in all, fifteen variations are presented in quick succession. The three pitches that begin the work -- E-flat, F, and B-flat, ascending -- serve as the generating cell for the entire work, as the primary theme of each movement begins in exactly the same manner. Holst also duplicated the intervallic content of these three pitches, but descended, for several melodic statements (a compositional trick not dissimilar to the inversion process employed by the later serialist movement, which included such composers as Schoenberg and Webern). These inverted melodies contrast the optimism and bright energy of the rest of the work, typically introducing a sense of melancholy or shocking surprise. The second half of the Chaconne, for instance, presents a somber inversion of the ground bass that eventually emerges from its gloom into the exuberant final variations.

The Intermezzo, which follows is a quirky rhythmic frenzy that contrasts everything that has preceded it. This movement opens in C minor, and starts and stops with abrupt transitions throughout its primary theme group. The contrasting midsection is introduced with a mournful melody, stated in F Dorian by the clarinet before being taken up by much of the ensemble. At the movement’s conclusion, the two sections are woven together, the motives laid together in complementary fashion in an optimistic C major.

The March that follows immediately begins shockingly, with a furious trill in the woodwinds articulated by aggressive statements by brass and percussion. This sets up the lighthearted and humorous mood for the final movement, which eventually does take up the more reserved and traditional regal mood of a British march and is simply interrupted from time to time by an uncouth accent or thunderous bass drum note. The coda of the work makes brief mention of elements from both the Chaconne and Intermezzo before closing joyfully.

- Program Note by Jacob Wallace

(not) Alone by Randall Standridge – unpublished WORLD PREMIERE

a meditation on mental health for concert band

We are proud to be premiering this work by American composer Mr.  Randall Standridge.  Students were able to hear from the composer himself the ideas behind and the process of composing this new work. 

Notes by the composer:

I would rarely say that the pieces I write are "important."

However, this one is.

As many of you are aware, I live with depression and anxiety. I have tried to use my platform to normalize discussions about mental health and to help start conversations about this issue. Here are some statistics you may or may not be aware of:

1 in 5 of adults in the US experience mental health issues each year.

1 in 6 youths in the US experience mental health issues each year.

90% of suicides worldwide are attributable to mental illness.

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in the United States.

With statistics like this, it is shocking and frustrating that so many people are reluctant to acknowledge, discuss, and address these issues.

Our goal is to increase discussions about this issue within the band community and community at large. The piece is currently going through some minor revisions,  but will be available very soon.

This is how we change the world.   One conversation at a time.

And to those suffering in silence, know this and know it well...

You are not alone.   Peace Love and Music.  

-Randall Standridge

Selections from the Motion Picture “Sing!” arr. By Michael Brown

The upbeat animated film Sing features an entertaining story about a talent show and plenty of great music. Here is an appealing medley for band that includes a new song (Faith) by Stevie Wonder and Ariana Grande, along with the classic pop hits Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen), I'm Still Standing (Elton John) and Stevie Wonder's Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing.  Sing along!

CHAMBER CHOIR

Indodana

Indodana is a traditional isiXhosa Easter Hymn. It is a prayer asking God to be with us in the time of mourning before the resurrection. isiXhosa is spoken in the south/south-east areas of contemporary South Africa. Xhosa people comprise the second largest ethnic group in South Africa.

Conversion of Saul

This piece reflects Saul's conversion, including his persecution and hunting of early Christians. Halfway through the work, the voice of God calls out to Saul several times, and then, having captured Saul's attention, God asks "why do you persecute me."

Cпасение coдeлaл (Spaseniye Sodelal): Salvation is Created, P. Chesnokov

Pavel Grigoryevich Chesnokov (12 Oct 1877 - 14 Mar 1944) was possibly the most prominent Russian sacred choral composer of his time. Chesnokov was a devout follower of the Russian Orthodox Church and was inspired to write most of his early choral works for worship in that faith. His best-known composition, one of the works he is remembered for today, is Salvation is Created (1912), a six-part Communion hymn based on a Ukrainian, Kievan, synodal chant melody. 

By age 30, Chesnokov had composed nearly four hundred sacred choral works. His proliferation of church music came to a standstill at the time of the Russian revolution. Under communist rule, no forms of sacred art could be produced. In response, Chesnokov composed an additional hundred secular works, and conducted secular choirs like the Moscow Academy Choir and the Bolshoi Theatre Choir. In the Soviet era religion was often under oppression. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, where Chesnokov had been the last choirmaster, was destroyed, disturbing him so deeply that he stopped writing music altogether.

Chesnokov died on 14 March 1944 of a heart attack caused by malnutrition while he was waiting in a Moscow bread line.

Nyon Nyon

Nyon Nyon is an exploration of the effects that one can produce with the human voice. I created original words to achieve varieties of colors and mixed and matched them within the ensemble to produce a diverse sonic landscape. Incorporating effects similar to a flanger, wah-wah pedal, drum and bass, and synthesizers turns the choir into a full-fledged vocal orchestra.

-Jake Runestad

CARDINAL SINGERS

Dies Irae, Ryan Main

This heart-pounding setting of the traditional "Dies Irae" ground, features driving rhythms overlapping with flowing lines to communicate a powerful and evocative message.

Water Fountain, Tune Yards, arr. Kris Fulton

This piece combines the different aesthetics of drought politics, dance hall dub and youthful drive to create something that is at once as ordered as it is chaotic. Originally by Canadian Band, Tune Yards, this arrangement was created by Vancouver Composer, Kris Fulton.

COMBINED CHOIRS

Baba Yetu, Chris Tin

Originally composed as the title track for video game "Civilzation IV," this Swahili setting of the Lord's Prayer was the first piece of video game music to win a Grammy Award.

Lean on Me, Bill Withers, arr. Roger Emerson

When Bill Withers wrote “Lean on Me” in 1972, toying around on a small piano with only the phrase ‘lean on me’ to guide him, he never could have expected the song — about a rural man’s loneliness in the big city — would become an inspirational anthem to those rising up after tragedy, or a celebratory rallying cry of togetherness and resilience in times of trouble.

-Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone Magazine

This setting of "Lean on Me" was made popular by the show Glee. Tonight we feature two Bishop Carroll Choral Alumni as soloists, Ethan Taylor and Kate Stevens.

Ensemble Eruditio (Beginner Strings)

The Abandoned Funhouse, B. Balmages

This piece takes the listener on an eerie house tour with film score-like grandeur. The distinct piano part is an integral stand-alone voice in the composition, and the celesta adds a great deal of colour to further enhance the mood.  Our keyboard parts tonight are beautifully performed by our beginning string students Julianne and Austin.

Gap of Dunloe, C. Thomas

This music was inspired by the traditional songs of Ireland and features lessons in legato bowing and lyricism.  Independence between sections, call and responses, and beautiful melodies that pass throughout the orchestra were inspired by the “Gap of Dunloe”, an imposing wedge of earth cut from the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks in southwestern Ireland.

Ensemble Intermezzo

Hey Fiddle Fiddle! B. Balmages

This fun-spirited fiddle tune begins with a unison statement of the theme, then gradually expands in harmony until the whole orchestra is into the groove. Later in the piece, the violins & violas trade phrases back and forth with the low strings before a reprise of the theme for a stirring conclusion.

Mystic Fawn, K. Yamada

The title conjures up images of a beautiful fawn illuminated by early morning sunlight in a fog-filled meadow. The main melody featuring a distinctive descending perfect fourth and is passed throughout the upper strings. Cellos feature a lush and well-executed countermelody throughout the work.  After a final climactic statement of the main theme, the piece concludes with a beautiful cascading figure and lush chords.

Rain Festival (with Cantabile Strings), J. Woolstenhulme

Make sure your umbrellas are close by.  Rain Festival brings on a rainstorm!  Through snapping fingers, pizzicato, djembe and rainstick, these special effects and fun percussion instruments simulate a downpour quickly sweeping through an African village.  But once the storm subsides, it’s time to party!  The stomping of feet segues into the village festival celebrating rain and its importance to all living things on our planet.

Cantabile Strings

The Lovat Scouts Quickstep, J. Skinner, arr. B. Clinesmith

Named for their commander Simon Frasier, 14th Lord Lovat, the Lovat Scouts were a company of Scottish marksmen formed in 1899 and served honourably as sharpshooters and gatherers of intelligence through the end of World War II.  This quickstep march was composed in the style of a Scotch reel and could be played effectively by a bagpiper among the troops either in parade or in battle.  This arrangement for string orchestra features the main theme in both the first violin and cello sections. 

Lonesome Valley, J. Krug

This American Spiritual opens with a plaintive and prayerful violin solo, building in power and emotion with each successive verse.  The melody passes between voices, and frequent and varied countermelodies are employed throughout. 

The lush arrangement embodies the text of this spiritual:

You gotta walk that lonesome valley, and you gotta walk, walk it by yourself

Las Palmas, B. Lipton

Las Palmas is an engaging piece featuring Flamenco hand clapping.  Fiery original melodies take centre stage in this spicy selection. The clappers execute authentic Flamenco rhythms while the rest of the orchestra plays with the flair of a traditional Spanish ensemble.  Disfruta la música!

Downton Abbey (with Virtuosi Strings), J. Lunn, arr. L. Moore

The wildly popular PBS miniseries has a score that drips with intrigue and suspense. Be prepared to be transported directly to Downton Abbey to meet the Crawley family!  Are you planning to see the new Downton Abbey movie?  It’s in theatres May 20th!

Virtuosi Strings

Concerto No. 1 in G major from Concerti Armonici, II. Allegro, U. W. van Wassenaer

Composer and Dutch nobleman Count Unico van Wassenaer wished to remain anonymous, so for two centuries, these concertos were first attributed to Italian composers Carlos Ricciotti and subsequently Giovanni Pergolesi. With 7-part writing including 4 violin parts and an obbligato cello, an intricate interplay of rising and falling melodic motifs keeps this movement pattering along.

Serenade for Strings, Op. 20, II. Larghetto, E. Elgar 

English composer Edward Elgar wrote his elegant Serenade for Strings in March of 1892. The middle Larghetto movement displays its simple grandeur via shifting tonalities and intimate moments of great warmth.

Amazing Grace, Traditional/John Newton, arr. M. Riley

One of the world’s most loved hymn tunes, Amazing Grace is a song that transcends all boundaries: it celebrates, enlightens, mourns, inspires and heals.  This exquisite arrangement by award winning Minnesota-based composer and arranger Matt Riley brings an enlightened vision to this beloved hymn.

Nocturne in E-flat major, Op. 9, No. 2, F. Chopin

Polish composer Frederic Chopin wrote his series of three Opus 9 piano Nocturnes between 1830 and 1832. Cellist Gaspar Cassadó first performed a transcription of the E-flat major Nocturne for cello and piano in 1951, and it has since become a beloved standard in the cello repertoire! 

Bishop Carroll Symphony Orchestra

Amadeus

Music from Mozart's Symphony 25, as featured in the movie, "Amadeus."

Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26, I. Vorspiel: Allegro moderato, M. Bruch

German composer Max Bruch’s most beloved and well-known masterpiece is undoubtedly his Violin Concerto in G minor. Violinist Joseph Joachim worked with the composer on revisions before premiering the concerto in 1868 in Bremen.  The virtuosic work is filled with romantic allure, memorable melodies and impeccable pacing throughout.

Soloist: Selen Nsabiyeze, Grade 11 Bishop Carroll Student

MASSED BAND AND CHOIRS

Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi from Carmina Burana by Carl Orff, arr. Jay Bocook

"O Fortuna" is a movement in Carl Orff's 1935–36 cantata Carmina Burana. It begins the opening and closing sections, both titled "Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi". The cantata is based on a medieval Goliardic poetry collection of the same name, from which the poem "O Fortuna" provides the words sung in the movement. It was well-received during its time, and entered popular culture through use in other musical works, advertisements, and soundtracks beginning in the late 20th century.