The Wind Ensemble at Moravian University presented a recent performance centered on the theme of transformation, featuring a program that explored change, growth and renewal through a range of musical works.
Under the direction of JoAnn Wieszczyk, the concert brought together both contemporary and traditional compositions while reflecting the collaborative nature of the ensemble.
While this semester’s ensemble was made up of students, the group has a history of including faculty, staff and members of the Bethlehem community. This tradition reflects Moravian’s emphasis on collaboration and connection, allowing musicians of different backgrounds and experience levels to perform together.
This mix of performers creates a unique environment to come together, strengthening the connection between the university and the local community.
The program opened with a work by Kazuki Shimoda, which reflected the transition from winter to spring. According to the program notes, the piece follows the idea of a frozen world slowly coming back to life. As snow begins to melt, the earth, rivers and fields begin to move again, gradually filling with life. This imagery was represented through evolving musical textures, setting a reflective tone for the performance.
This was followed by a piece by Grace Baugher Dunlap, Phoenix Rekindled, which explored personal resilience and emotional growth. The work focused on themes of rest and renewal, connecting the idea of transformation to personal experience.
The ensemble then performed The ensemble then performed Gustav Holst’s “Second Suite in F,” a cornerstone of wind band repertoire based on English folk songs. Its multi-movement structure allowed the ensemble to demonstrate shifts in style and character while reinforcing the theme through contrast.
This was paired with a work by David Biedenbender, which incorporated metallic percussion and upper woodwinds to create a glowing effect. The piece reflects ideas similar to the science concept of luminescence, as explored by Nikki Guido on behalf of the American Chemical Society.
Biedenbender similarly uses sound to capture a sense of light and glow while embedding the hymn “Break Forth O Beauteous Heavenly Light” at the beginning going into Luminescence.
The performance continued with a piece by James David, adding another layer to the theme through its use of structure and expression. Each selection contributed to the overall sense of transformation, whether through musical development or emotional interpretation.
Later in the program, the ensemble performed “The Machine Awakes” by Steven Bryant for winds and electronics. The piece explores the idea of something mechanical gradually coming to life, beginning with subtle textures before building into a more intense and fully developed sound.
The concert also featured “Danzón No. 2” by Arturo Márquez, inspired by traditional Mexican dance music. The piece blends rhythmic patterns with expressive melodies, evolving through changes in tempo and style and engaging the audience with its energy.
The program concluded with “Foundry” by John Mackey, a work that emphasizes percussion and metallic sounds. By incorporating found percussion, the piece highlights how everyday objects can be transformed into musical elements, bringing the theme of transformation to a powerful close.
Throughout the performance, each piece approached transformation in a different way, whether through personal growth, cultural expression, historical tradition or musical innovation. The variety of selections allowed the audience to experience the theme from multiple perspectives.
The event drew members of both the campus and Bethlehem community, reflecting Moravian’s commitment to making the arts accessible beyond the classroom. The inclusion of community musicians alongside students further emphasized the program’s role in connecting the university with the surrounding area.
Overall, the performance highlighted how music can represent transformation in both sound and meaning. Through a carefully selected program and a collaborative ensemble, the Wind Ensemble demonstrated the depth, versatility and community focus that define music at Moravian.
