Sunday, May 15 at 2:00 pm
Mandel Hall
Free Admission

Under the direction of Chip De Stefano, the University Wind Ensemble will perform their final concert of the season. Program includes: Davide Delle Cese’s L’Inglesina; Malcolm Arnold’s Four Scottish Dances; Karel Husa’s Al Fresco; and Dmitri Shostakovich’s Folk Dances.

Malcolm Arnold (1921-2006) was born in Northampton, England.  In his youth he studied violin and piano, but upon hearing the music of Louis Armstrong, decided to take up the trumpet.  In 1937 he enrolled at the Royal Conservatory of Music where he studied trumpet, conducting, and composition.  After graduation he earned a living playing trumpet in the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra.  In 1948 Arnold ended his orchestral engagements and turned exclusively to composition—indeed, a most fortunate decision!  He would go on to enjoy a very successful compositional career, composing nine symphonies, six ballets, four operas, and numerous chamber and vocal works.  He is perhaps best-known, however, for his film music, winning an Academy Award for his score to The Bridge on the River Kwai (1958).  This great achievement would only be surpassed in 1993, when he received the prestigious honor of Knighthood.