Those attending the Lander University Wind Ensemble's Tuesday, Oct. 20 show might be reminded of the line "water, water everywhere," from Samuel Taylor Coleridge's famous poem, "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner."
The concert begins at 8 p.m. in the Josephine B. Abney Cultural Center Auditorium with the selection "River of Life," by American composer Steven Reineke.
The theme is developed further through selections such as "Water Music Suite," by British composer George F. Handel; "New Wade'n Water," by American composer Adolphus Hailstork; "Molly on the Shore," by Australian composer Percy Grainger; "Fantasy on American Sailing Songs," by American composer Clare Grundman; and "Hands Across the Sea," by American march king John Phillip Sousa.
"Of Sailors and Whales," American composer W. Francis McBeth's composition inspired by the classic literary work "Moby Dick" and "Victory at Sea," American composer Richard Rodgers' work inspired by the end of World War II, are also in the mix.
Associate professor of music Dr. Reed Gallo, who directs the ensemble, said that the latter two selections, in particular, are "heavy hitters." He called McBeth's composition "exciting" and said "Victory at Sea" is "very powerful."
Gallo said that the state's recent experience with flooding gives the program added meaning.
"Right now it's fitting for us, because the sea did pound South Carolina really hard," he said.
He invited music enthusiasts to join him for what he predicts will be an "entertaining" show.
The performance is free and open to the public.