Community Winds Presents ‘The Planets’ Tonight In White Rock

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By BONNIE J. GORDON
Los Alamos Daily Post

The Los Alamos Community Winds will take the audience on an interplanetary adventure at tonight’s concert. The centerpiece of the concert is Gustav Holst’s “The Planets, Op 39 (1918).

The work is based on astrology, rather than astronomy.

A short book by Alan Leo called “What is a Horoscope?” suggested to Holst the possibilities for musically interpreting the influences of each planet. In later years, he stressed that the suite was not intended to be programmatic, and that each movement simply suggested the traits ascribed to the planet’s influence on the horoscope — the work was not intended to depict the gods and goddesses of Greco-Roman mythology.

“It’s such a fun piece to perform,” Winds Director Ted Vives said. “It’s an orchestral work that transfers well to winds.” Vives arranged four of the movements himself. The Winds has been working on the performance since March. The Winds will be joined by the Women’s Siren Choir for this concert.

“The Planets” is always on the list of things people want to hear,” Vives said.

The Winds will charge through the one-hour concert without a break. In keeping with the planetary theme, also on the program are “Transit of Venus March” by John Philip Sousa and “Jupiter (Polka Petite)” by Edwin Franko Goldman, featuring Tjett Gerdom on trumpet. These two pieces are not performed nearly as often as “The Planets” so they may be new to the audience. Vives said the Winds enjoys bringing new music to the Los Alamos audience.

This is the Winds awards concert and the winner of the annual “Music Filled Life” student award and scholarship will be announced, as well as service awards to Winds members.
A scholarship of at least $1,000 will be awarded to a senior Los Alamos High School (or home-schooled) music student who has been accepted into college. While the recipient won’t be required to major in music, specific plans to further their music education and make music a part of their life are required.

Tour the solar system with the Winds at 7 p.m. today at the White Rock Baptist Church. As always the concert is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

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