Culture
OU Wind Symphony to Perform at Carnegie Hall Feb. 27
By: Emily Votaw
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Over 40 years ago, the Ohio University Marching 110 made history when they performed as the first ever marching band to star in a show at New York City’s Carnegie Hall. A number of decades later, the Ohio Wind Symphony is following in that group’s footsteps as a part of the Ohio University School of Music’s 100th anniversary this year with a performance at the legendary concert hall Feb. 27.
“Carnegie Hall is a performance venue that is known across the world, it’s a really important hall – such a tremendous number of great musicians have performed there: The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Duke Ellington, Louie Armstrong,” said Andrew Trachsel, director of bands, associate professor of music and assistant director for recruitment at Ohio University’s School of Music. “It’s such a renowned performance space; partially because it is located in New York City – and partially because of the acoustics, it’s really wonderful hall to perform in.”
Trachsel will be in tow when the OU Wind Symphony heads to NYC late next month, directing the group during their debut at the historic concert hall.
Two guest performers, the internationally lauded Canadian Brass and award-winning Ohio University alumnus Dave Malloy, will join the symphony during the show. Melloy is responsible for the smash-hit Broadway musical Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812.
In addition to Malloy, Denée Benton, who stars in Natasha, Pierre, will also join the group in their debut Carnegie appearance.
“Having Denée Benton perform with us is way beyond what I could have imagined when I initially asked Dave (Malloy) about collaborating,” said Trachsel. “Our students are going to have a blast collaborating with these artists.”
Trachsel said that the Ohio University Alumni Association has been working on some enticing opportunities for donors, in regards to the upcoming trip. These include a matinee performance of Natasha, Pierre; as well as a luncheon and behind the scenes look at the Imperial Theatre with Malloy.
“It’s great that our students have the opportunity to perform at Carnegie,” said Trachsel. “I know that for me, the whole time I’ll be pinching myself in disbelief!”