April 2008
Santa Fe, New Mexico
We go to many concerts and enjoy most of them, but then there are those special occasions
when one or two exceed expectations. This has happened twice in the last eight months with
the performances of the newly founded Concordia Santa Fe, a wind ensemble made up of
professional and semi-professional wind and percussion players. There is only one
instrumentalist per part, and guest conductors have only two concentrated rehearsals – one
evening and one day - culminating in a concert at the St. Francis Auditorium in Santa Fe.
The first concert, given Tuesday, June 12, 2007, was conducted by Dr. John F. Lynch,
formerly of Kansas State University, who put the ensemble group through its paces with
astounding results.
This was followed by a second concert on Sunday, March 2, 2008 with even greater results,
directed by Dr. Robert Ambrose from Georgia State University. Dr. Ambrose may have had
an advantage, as this was the second time most of the players had performed together.
The music performed on this concert was challenging for the players and very interesting for
the listeners. Many of the pieces featured individual instrumentalists and sections, with
idiomatic material pertaining to various parts of the world. The music had intricate, fanciful
and toe-tapping rhythms, and simplistic to complicated harmonies. The complete dynamic
range of the ensemble, enhanced by crashing, thunderous fortissimos to the most delicate
pianissimos, made for great listening.
One of the simplest of all pieces performed on the concert – Mother Earth, A Fanfare – had
you charging out of your seat. It was a most exciting experience! Both concerts contained
much music that is seldom otherwise heard. This is truly the sort of thing one wants to have
repeated many, many times and is a credit to those northern New Mexican musicians who
have taken the time and energy to organize such a magnificent musical adventure.
Concordia Santa Fe
"Harmony in the High Desert"
a 501(c)(3) charitable organization
"Harmony in the High Desert"
a 501(c)(3) charitable organization
Great Music in Santa Fe
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