YAHOO.com – The Metropolitan Wind Symphony will open its 56th season under new Music Director Robert “Gabe” Southard with a concert on Sunday, Nov. 1, at the Scottish Rite Museum, 33 Marrett Road, Lexington, according to a community announcement.
Show time is 3 p.m.
The concert, titled “There’s a First Time for Everything,” will feature Southard leading the ensemble’s more than 60 musicians in a program focused on musical beginnings, according to the announcement. A free pre-concert lecture begins at 2:30 p.m.
Southard was selected following a season-long search in which six finalists each guest-conducted the ensemble in concert. He joined Gordon College in 2022 as associate teaching professor of music, conducting the Gordon Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Band. He previously served at Hope College in Michigan and the University of Michigan-Flint, according to the announcement.
“I am looking forward to starting work with the MetWinds, continuing the group’s reputation for excellence, and bringing some new and exciting program ideas!” Southard said in a statement.
The Nov. 1 concert will feature Adam Gorb’s “Awayday”; Gustav Holst’s “First Suite in E-flat for Military Band” (edited by Colin Matthews); John Mackey’s “Strange Humors”; Dana Wilson’s “Piece of Mind”; John Stevens’ “Benediction”; and Frank Ticheli’s “Postcard.”
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $5 for students. Admission is free for children younger than 5. MetWinds participates in the Card to Culture program, offering discounted admission for EBT, WIC and Health Connector cardholders.
Tickets and information are available at metwinds.org.
