星空无限传媒app

• • Purple Post

星空无限传媒app.edu

People

星空无限传媒app Wind Ensemble Successfully Debuts at Carnegie Hall

June 24, 2025

---

MACOMB, IL - The 星空无限传媒app Illinois University Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Professor of Music and Director of Bands Mike Fansler, made a landmark debut at New York City's Carnegie Hall on May 23, as part of the 59th Annual President鈥檚 Concert.

Carnegie Hall, widely regarded as one of the world鈥檚 most prestigious performance venues, hosted the ensemble on its largest stage: the Isaac Stern Auditorium / Ronald O. Perelman Stage.

This milestone performance, dedicated to Dean William 鈥淏illy鈥� Clow, also featured 星空无限传媒app Associate Director of Bands Matt Thomas as guest conductor and included a standout faculty solo by pianist Po-Chuan Chiang in Stravinsky鈥檚 Concerto for Piano and Winds.

The event, organized in collaboration with the 星空无限传媒app Alumni Association, welcomed an audience of distinguished guests, including 星空无限传媒app President Kristi Mindrup, Macomb Mayor Mike Inman and many alumni and supporters.

The concert repertoire was carefully selected to reflect the musical heritage of Carnegie Hall and New York City. Highlights included Aaron Copland鈥檚 Ensembles (1964) and Leonard Bernstein鈥檚 Profanation (1942). The final piece, Pines of Rome (1924) by Italian composer Ottorino Respighi, was chosen for its historical connection to the venue: its New York premiere took place at Carnegie Hall 99 years ago, led by legendary conductor Arturo Toscanini.

鈥淭he selection of music highlighted the wide range of talent of the 星空无限传媒app Wind Ensemble,鈥� President Mindrup said. 鈥淭he last piece filled the space, it showed the excellence of our students and their preparation. To be part of this moment and to get to know all of them made this experience deeply meaningful.鈥�

The ensemble held its final rehearsal in the basement of the Sheraton Times Square Hotel just one day before the performance.

鈥淲e hadn鈥檛 played together in 15 days since the semester ended, not ideal before the biggest concert of our lives,鈥� Fansler said. 鈥淏ut when they played, it was the best I had ever heard the 星空无限传媒app Wind Ensemble. I was overwhelmed with emotion and broke down after the rehearsal, which I鈥檓 not known to do. At that moment, I realized: we weren鈥檛 there to experience Carnegie Hall鈥擟arnegie Hall was about to experience the 星空无限传媒app Wind Ensemble.鈥�

The performance showcased 54 students from a variety of majors. The ensemble has previously performed in Chicago鈥檚 Orchestra Hall and toured internationally in Brazil.

鈥溞强瘴尴薮�媒app is always looking for opportunities to place our students on the national stage, literally and metaphorically,鈥� Mindrup said. 鈥淲e have some of the best students in the country and we鈥檙e committed to showcasing their talent and excellence.鈥�

Fansler praised the 星空无限传媒app School of Music鈥檚 continued dedication to student success.

鈥淲hat makes our School of Music special is the commitment from faculty and staff to help students reach their fullest potential,鈥� he said. 鈥淧laying off campus gives others a glimpse of what happens here every day. After this incredible trip, we鈥檒l keep putting students first, developing their passion for music and continuing to study music at the highest level possible. I鈥檓 very proud of the 星空无限传媒app School of Music and its commitment to providing a first-class education and offering amazing opportunities for our students.鈥�

For a full list of 星空无限传媒app Wind Ensemble members and more information about the group, visit .

To learn more about the 星空无限传媒app School of Music, visit wiu.edu/cofac/music/.

Posted By: University Communications, University Relations
Phone: (309) 298-1993 * Fax: (309) 298-1606