For release: March 13, 2013
For press information, contact Carol Morse, 901-678-2843

The University of Memphis Wind Ensemble will premiere The Flight of Andromeda by Alan Kinningham on Tuesday, March 26, 2013. The work, commissioned by the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music, will give new life to the Greek myth of Andromeda and Perseus. Kinningham’s dramatic work captures the story in which Andromeda is chained to a rock as a sacrifice to a sea monster and her rescue by Perseus. The performance will be conducted by Albert Nguyen, and will feature soprano Katherine Sheaffer.

Alan Kinningham, a D.M.A. graduate of the Scheidt School of Music, is an award winning composer who currently teaches music theory and orchestration at Freed-Hardeman University. In addition to conducting the Wind Ensemble, Albert Nguyen, Director of Bands at the University of Memphis, heads the graduate level instrumental conducting program, and oversees the Athletic, Symphonic and University Bands. Katherine Sheaffer is a vocal performance student at the Scheidt School of Music, pursuing her master’s degree in the studio of Pamela Gaston. The Wind Ensemble is comprised of 50 elite wind and percussion musicians.

Also on the evening’s program:
Serenade for Winds in E flat major, Op. 7 by Richard Strauss
Rusty Air in Carolina by Mason Bates with guest conductor N. Maurice Medley
Theme and Variations, Op. 43a by Arnold Schoenberg with guest conductor Armand V. Hall
Danse Diabolique by Joseph Hellmesberger

Performance information:
Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 7:30 pm
Harris Concert Hall (3775 Central Avenue)
$8 General Admission; $5 Non- U of M students and seniors; free to faculty and staff with ID
More information at music.edu/memphis or 901-678-2541