Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Band Join Musical Forces

The University of Maine Symphonic Band and the UMaine Jazz Ensemble will both perform at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27 at the Collins Center for the Arts.

Under the direction of Christopher White, the University of Maine Symphonic Band will play pieces by Gustav Theodore Holst, Toshio Iwai, John Philip Sousa, Eric Whitacre and François-Joseph Gossec. The auditioned group of 45 of the best wind and percussion musicians at UMaine performs at concerts on and off campus, including an annual spring tour around the state. Previous stops have included Symphony Hall in Boston and Merrill Auditorium in Portland.

The UMaine Jazz Ensemble will play old and new jazz standards, including works by Count Basie and Pat Metheny. Jack Burt directs the 20-piece big band open to all university students. The ensemble performs several times each semester, both on campus and throughout the state. For 12 consecutive years, it has performed for a live two-hour radio broadcast from the Maine Public Broadcasting Network studios. The concert is simulcast on the Internet.

Admission is $12, or free with a valid student MaineCard. For tickets or disability accommodations, call 207.581.1755. Tickets may also be purchased at the door one hour prior to the show.