Name: Vanderbilt Wind Symphony: Crossroads of East Meets West
Start: 2025-09-18T19:30:00-05:00
Location: 2400 Blakemore Ave, Nashville, TN, United States, Tennessee 37212

Vanderbilt Wind Symphony: Crossroads of East Meets West

Cultures will converge as the Vanderbilt Wind Symphony opens its fall 2025 season with Crossroads of East Meets West, a program that bridges continents, centuries, and styles. From the ceremonial elegance of French Romanticism to the rhythmic pulse of Middle Eastern grooves and the lyrical soul of Chinese folk melodies, this concert invites you on a global journey of sound. Featuring Blair faculty bassoonist Peter Kolkay as soloist in James Barnes’ Bassoon Concertino, this program celebrates the beauty of musical fusion.
Tickets: $10.00
Running time: 43 minutes
- Ticket reservations coming soon!
Program:
Orient et Occident by Camille Saint-Saëns. This piece was written in the 1800s by a French composer imagining what “Eastern” music sounded like. Think of it like a musical postcard from a time when Europe was fascinated by faraway cultures.
Bassoon Concertino by James Barnes. Ever wondered what a bassoon sounds like when it’s the star of the show? Renowned Blair bassoonist Peter Kolkay will take the spotlight as a featured soloist, captivating audiences with his rich, sonorous tones and technical prowess.
Come, Drink One More Cup by Chen Qian. Drawing inspiration from the rich heritage of traditional Chinese drinking songs, this evocative piece encapsulates the joyous ambiance of gathering with friends in a cozy tea house as the sun sets, creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere filled with shared memories and laughter.
Strange Humors by John Mackey. Catchy, intensive and full of unexpected turns, this eclectic work mixes African-style drumming with Middle Eastern sounds. With its contrasting moods and rhythms, “Strange Humors” captures the essence of the unexpected, leaving audiences both intrigued and exhilarated.
Incantation and Dance by John Barnes Chance – A captivating work that intertwines lyrical melodies with spirited rhythms, the piece begins with a hauntingly beautiful incantation, evoking mystical imagery, before transitioning into an energetic dance that showcases vibrant instrumentation and lively dynamics.