Cole Murphy/The Ubyssey

Sending a postcard from Prague will be a little easier this year thanks to UBC Bands.

The Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Concert Winds will be joining to create a new experience for the UBC music community. Dr Rob Taylor is the director of both ensembles and initiated the combination of both band performances into a new concert series entitled Postcards.

“I was hoping to integrate the two bands and create a season around one central theme,” said Taylor, who said he combined the concerts “partly to expand the audience and partly to draw attention to how well both of the bands play.”

He described the event as a journey for the audience. “Instead of just going to a concert where there’s a mix of pieces, such as an overture, concerto and then symphony, we are taking an idea and spinning out on it to make it a more cohesive experience for the audience,” said Taylor.

Postcards derived its name from the thematic concept that each concert is related to a specific time or place. The series will begin this week with Postcard from the Past, featuring historical pieces that build on the idea of masterworks and traditions. The performance will include two suites composed by Gustav Holst.

“In November, Postcard from Prague will feature Czech composers, along with a piece that depicts the communist takeover of the city of Prague,” Taylor said. Postcard from the Podium, Postcard from the Jazz Age, and Postcard from the Americas will also be featured throughout the year.

UBC Bands is comprised of two ensembles under the direction of Taylor, both of which are open to music majors and non-majors through open auditions at the beginning of each academic year.

The School of Music will be offering all of the Postcards concerts online. Funded through grants from the UBC Faculty of Arts and the Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund, the streaming video project was created “to allow those who can’t make it to the concert to view live performances by numerous UBC ensembles,” said Taylor.

While the performances allow students’ families from around the world to watch them perform, it also offers educational benefits to smaller communities. Added Taylor, “The intent is for students in music schools in the interior of BC and remote areas to be able to watch and participate in the concerts.”

Postcard from the Past will be performed Thursday at noon and Friday at 8pm in the Chan Centre for Performing Arts and online. All concerts are free and open to the public.

(+5 rating, 4 votes)

 Loading ...