Lee Hoiby's Summer Suite Given World Premiere

Lee Hoiby's Summer Suite Given World Premiere by Austin Peay State University Wind Ensemble

On February 25 the Austin Peay State University Wind Ensemble under conductor Greg Wolynec performs the world premiere of Lee Hoiby's Summer Suite, the composer's first work scored for wind ensemble. The band work was commissioned by Austin Peay State University expressly for the university wind ensemble. The composer elaborates on the history of the piece: Summer Suite is a transcription for concert band of one of my first orchestral works. The last movement is a rousing parade, and when the opportunity presented itself last year I decided to recast it for concert band. Greg Wolynec and his players at Austin Peay State University enjoyed it sufficiently to encourage me to work on the first two movements for them. Rethinking the first movement (which was originally titled Scherzo) was a challenge and education, particularly in dealing with the lack of high strings, and tempo considerations. The second movement was a piece of cake, and I'm especially pleased with the way the long theme fits the french horn. I feel like my twenty-six year old self has made a gift to my present self. Lee Hoiby is the composer of several works produced by AOP including "The Darkling Thrush", Geographies & Selves, and the World Professional Premiere of This is the Rill Speaking in April 2008.