SLO Winds announces 2015 schedule
Dedicated to bringing unique classical music to the Central Coast
In May 2014, The San Luis Obispo Wind Orchestra brought a unique event to the Central Coast – the Queen Symphony. Performing in Harmon Hall in the Performing Arts Center on the Cal Poly campus, the orchestra combined with over 200 voices to perform a classical symphony inspired by the rock band Queen.
The volunteer members perform symphonic wind band music in a variety of styles at a professional level. They seek to captivate the audience by their joy of playing music with something to satisfy everyone.
The orchestra is made up of about 50 musicians from all walks of life. Some are physicians, both active and retired. Some are engineers; others are students, financial professionals, or retired health care administrators. A few are professional musicians but most of the orchestra members are amateurs. A few of the musicians are also members of the San Luis Obispo Symphony.
Each year, the group performs with outstanding local professional musicians in a concert called “Stars of SLO.” Most recently, the concert featured Lisa Nauful and Brynn Albanese, both members of the SLO Symphony with an active solo career.
In May 2015, the orchestra will team up with Opera SLO to perform some of the best arias and other opera music, all transcribed for the wind orchestra. The concert features vocalists who will be accompanied by the orchestra.
In late 2015, the orchestra will present a “pops” concert featuring local vocalist Inga Swearingen and internationally renowned concert pianist Rudolf Budginas. The orchestra will finish the year with “Stars of SLO” and the group’s traditional holiday concert. In addition to the five main-stage concerts, the wind orchestra hosts two “Chamber Music on the Coast” concerts and performs eclectic music, ranging from Bach to light jazz.
The SLO Winds is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and membership is by audition only. The orchestra rehearses and performs at Cuesta College as part of the Community Programs. The Interim conductor is Jennifer Martin who is also the Performing Arts Division chair at the college. The group ranges in age from high school students to members in their 70’s and 80’s.
For more information, call (805) 464-9434, email [email protected], or visit slowinds.org.
