Wind symphony performance bound for Italy
Bobby Schuessler
Staff Writer
The Carroll College Wind Symphony will embark on an Italy tour from June 17 through June 25.
While the Wind Symphony has toured domestically in places such as Florida, New Orleans and New York City, this is the Symphony’s first international tour.
Eighty-seven people will join conductor Dr. Larry Harper on the tour, including: current members of Wind Symphony, Symphony alumni, community members, Carroll faculty and staff, and President Hastad and along with his wife.
Featured artist and nationally acclaimed piano soloist Laurin Hollander, with his wife, Tara, will also join the Symphony as artistic adviser and guest conductor.
The tour will travel to Venice, Florence and Rome, where the Symphony will perform in four different churches.
The Wind Symphony will be performing a variety of classical music from various cultural influences. An Italian inspired piece will be played as a tribute to Italy.
“We wanted to play American music that would be new to the Italian citizens,” commented Harper.
Not only will this tour be a concert trip, but it will also be an educational experience for everyone traveling, especially for those students who have not been out of the country.
“We will be able to share music with those from different cultures, and in return, see the common experiences and ideas we share with the Italians,” said Harper.
Students will have the opportunity to experience and understand the architecture, art and history of Italy. Trips to numerous museums and tourist sites, such as the David Sculpture in Florence, the Forum in Rome and the Vatican.
“I am most excited to go on this trip because of all the culture I will absorb through the museums, food and people,” commented sophomore flute player Kendal Day.
The tour members will be going to the outdoor theatre Arena di Verona to see its first performance of the opera Aida.
“It will be a spectacular setting for the opera,” stated Harper.
Students will also be able to visit St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice, which is the first place dynamic changes were made in music.
“This trip will go even beyond music; we will be able to experience the history, that is old and intriguing, new foods, vegetation, etc,” according to Dena LeMere, the Administrative Associate of Academic Affairs and tour member.
The Wind Symphony members will partake in classes and lectures before the trip to learn more about Italian history.
Personally, the trip will be very rewarding to Harper.
“I’ve been overseas, but never to Italy, so I’m very excited because it’s a cultural center of the world, and much of art started there,” said. Harper. “I see it as a fountain of culture we have come to know, and Italy will be a great environment to make music in.”
LeMere is also extremely thrilled to be going on the tour. “This will be my third time in Italy, and I just love it. When I go there, I feel like an Italian trapped in a German’s body,” LeMere stated. “I love the people, flowers and the food. Everything tastes better! I’m also excited to travel with Harper and everyone.”
For more details, contact Dr. Larry Harper at (262) 790-9699.