Kaplan commissioned piece to highlight SMU Concert Band, choirs concert Sept. 27

Marc Berntstein

WINONA, Minn. — The SMU Concert Band and three SMU choral ensembles will combine talents for a Family Weekend performance at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, in Page Theater.

The concert will mark the world premiere performance of “Ashkenazi Fathers,” composed for the SMU Concert Band by internationally recognized jazz saxophonist Marc Bernstein through the support of the Sam and Helen Kaplan Foundation. “Ashkenazi Fathers” is a celebration of the Jewish faith, especially the role fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers play in the lives of their children.

This performance marks fifth in a series of commissions by the SMU Concert Band through the Helen and Sam Kaplan Foundation, which supports performances and activities led by Jewish artists and scholars that are designed to increase cultural and religious understanding at Saint Mary’s.

Bernstein will present a special composer’s conversation, just prior to the performance, at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Page Theatre. During this conversation, the composer will discuss the cultural inspiration for his piece and the evolution of his work.

The audience is also invited to join the performers for a reception honoring Bernstein after the concert.

Bernstein will travel from his home in Denmark to Saint Mary’s the week prior to the performance to serve in residency. He will rehearse with the band and work with SMU students in a variety of classes and rehearsals.

Bernstein, born in Brooklyn, N.Y, graduated from the Berklee College of Music in 1984. Inspired great saxophonists and jazz artists, Bernstein pursued a career in music. He recorded his first CD in 1985, and was a regular performer in New York City. He began playing overseas, and gained notoriety in Denmark, where he was offered a spot with Klüvers Big Band. Bernstein relocated to Copenhagen, Denmark; he left the band in 1996 to go solo, and has since released numerous CD recordings. He is on the faculty of the Danish Conservatory of Music. For more information go to www.marcmusic.info.

The Concert Band, under the direction of Dr. Janet Heukeshoven, will open with Steven Reineke’s “Celebration Fanfare,” an exciting new work published just last year. Next the ensemble will play the hauntingly beautiful “As Summer was Just Beginning” — subtitled “Song for James Dean” — written by Larry Daehn in memory of actor James Byron Dean, who was tragically killed in a car accident at age 24 after a brief film career including “East of Eden,” “Rebel Without a Cause” and “Giant.” “Ashkenazi Fathers” will conclude the first half of the Concert Band performance. A Saint Mary’s jazz combo will join the concert band for the premiere, and Bernstein will serve as the featured soprano saxophone soloist.

The second half of the concert features the SMU Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, under the direction of Dr. Patrick O’Shea, joined by the Women’s Choir, directed by Lindsy O’Shea. Choral selections will include works by Schumann, Morley, Hassler, Nystedt, Mulholland, and choral arrangements by Philip Lawson and Bob Chilcott of the King’s Singers.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students or seniors and are available at the Performance Center Box Office, 457-1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org.