Trinity Western University’s School of the Arts, Media + Culture (SAMC) presents a pair of concerts by the TWU Concert Band and Orchestra. “Fate + Fortune” features epic pieces woven around the theme of journeys and outcomes. Concert highlights include “O Fortuna” by Carl Orff, easily recognized from films like Excalibur, Last of the Mohicans, and Beowulf, a medley of majestic and dramatic pieces by Howard Shore from The Lord of the Rings soundtrack, and the energetic La Forza del Destino (Force of Destiny) by Giuseppe Verdi.
With each piece as heroic and dramatic as the next, the repertoire propels audiences along the journeys taken by heroic figures like Joan of Arc, in her transformation from maiden to warrior, martyr to saint, as well as the Rohirrim of Tolkien’s Middle-earth, called into battle by their king.
The program was developed by TWU Associate Professor of Music and concert band conductor, Allan Thorpe, DMA, and TWU orchestra conductor, Jon Thompson, Chair and Assistant Professor of SAMC Music.
“Much of the musical imagery from Verdi’s Force of Destiny Overture can be connected to the three Greek mythological sisters who spin, weave and cut the threads of fate,” says Thorpe. “Their spinning wheel is represented by a short rolling melodic line, which at times is played against itself and is occasionally cut short.”
Much like the threads of fate, Orff’s “O Fortuna” from Carmina Burana speaks of how the wheel of fortune tends to raise one person at the same time that it lowers another, says Thorpe.
Other works in the program include Symphony No. 5 by Ludwig van Beethoven and Poet and Peasant Overture by Franz von Suppé.
“Fate + Fortune” takes place November 24 at 7:30 pm at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 20097 72nd Avenue, Langley and November 25 at 7:30 pm at Peace Lutheran Church, 2029 Ware Street, Abbotsford. $10 suggested admission (cash at the door). Info at twu.ca/samc.
This performance of Fate + Fortune is made possible through the support of Flying Horse Design Studio.
Trinity Western University is a Christian University of the arts, sciences, and professions, legislated by British Columbia to serve the public. Recognized for quality, TWU is consistently ranked among the top two universities in Canada for Educational Experience by the National Survey of Student Engagement; holds three Canada Research Chairs; wins National Championships in U Sports sports; and emphasizes experiential learning to prepare graduates to make a global impact. TWU offers 43 bachelor’s degrees, 19 graduate degrees, and adult degree-completion programs. A vibrant community committed to educating the whole person, TWU has been developing leaders of character and competence for 50 years.
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