For one unforgettable evening, the Desert Winds—a premier professional wind ensemble based in Henderson, Nevada—invites you to experience the first concert of their exhilarating "Plus+es" season, titled Kine+tic. This season celebrates the power of addition and transformation, where each performance adds a new dimension of musical brilliance and emotional depth. Under the visionary leadership of founder and Artistic Director Dr. Charles A. Maguire, and with the dynamic support of Associate Conductor John Seaton, the Director of Bands at the esteemed Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, this concert is set to be a defining moment in the Las Vegas and Henderson music scenes. This performance exemplifies the artistic excellence typically associated with the Smith Center, bringing that same level of world-class music to our local audience.
Kine+tic: The Dynamic Energy of Music in Motion
Kine+tic is more than just a concert—it’s a journey into the motion and momentum that drives music. As the opening event of the "Plus+es" season, Kine+tic sets the tone with vibrant rhythms and exhilarating tempos that promise to propel both the performers and the audience into a season of continuous movement and change. This dynamic energy is reflected in the carefully curated program, which features two monumental works: Dance Movements by Phillip Sparke and Concerto for Soprano Saxophone by John Mackey, each piece chosen to embody the kinetic energy that defines this concert.
A Convergence of Musical Mastery: Dance Movements by Phillip Sparke
The concert’s centerpiece is Dance Movements by Phillip Sparke, a work of monumental scope and brilliance. Commissioned by the United States Air Force Band, Dance Movements had its world premiere at the Florida Music Educators’ Association Convention in 1996, and it has since become a cornerstone of contemporary wind ensemble literature. The piece is a tour de force of musical expression, cast in four interconnected movements that explore a wide range of dance-inspired themes, each more captivating than the last.
The first movement, Ritmico, bursts forth with a vibrant Latin American rhythm, brought to life by the ensemble’s percussion section, including the rhythmic drive of the xylophone and tambourine. As the movement progresses, the woodwinds and brass sections weave in and out, creating a tapestry of sound that is both exhilarating and deeply evocative. The second movement, Molto Vivo, shifts the focus to the woodwinds, offering a pastoral contrast with its English country dance flavor. This movement’s rustic charm is underscored by the interplay between the piano, harp, and glockenspiel, creating a bubbling, effervescent texture that is as intricate as it is delightful.
The third movement, Lento, takes the audience on a journey into the heart of the brass section, with muted trumpets and majestic chorales that evoke the grandeur of a classical ballet. The interplay between the horns and trombones creates a dialogue of sound that is both powerful and poignant, building to a climax that is as emotionally stirring as it is musically satisfying.
The final movement, Molto Ritmico, is a dazzling display of rhythmic complexity and orchestral color. The percussion section once again takes center stage, driving the movement forward with relentless energy. As the movement unfolds, the ensemble explores a wide range of musical ideas, from sinister, brooding passages to moments of triumph and celebration. The movement concludes with a noble fanfare, a fitting end to a work that has taken the audience on a journey through the entire spectrum of human emotion.
The Virtuosic Challenge of John Mackey’s Concerto for Soprano Saxophone
Following the brilliance of Dance Movements, the Desert Winds will present another masterwork: John Mackey’s Concerto for Soprano Saxophone. This concerto, which has quickly become a favorite among saxophonists and wind ensembles alike, is a work of staggering virtuosity and profound musical insight. Mackey, known for his innovative approach to wind ensemble writing, describes the saxophone as a hybrid instrument—a brass instrument with a woodwind reed, capable of producing an astonishing range of colors and effects. This concept serves as the foundation for the concerto, which is structured around the materials that make up the saxophone: felt, metal, and wood.
The concerto begins with a Prelude, a brief but powerful overture that introduces the themes and ideas that will be developed throughout the piece. This movement sets the stage for what is to come, offering tantalizing glimpses of the musical journey ahead.
The second movement, Felt, is a showcase of the saxophone’s technical prowess, with rapid runs, intricate fingerings, and pitch bending that highlight the instrument’s versatility. This movement is a study in contrasts, as the saxophone shifts between different colors and textures, creating a sound world that is both strange and mesmerizing.
In the third movement, Metal, the saxophone takes on a lyrical, almost vocal quality, soaring above the brass and metal percussion in a movement that is both serene and deeply expressive. This movement serves as a calm before the storm, a moment of introspection before the concerto reaches its dramatic conclusion.
The fourth movement, Wood, pays homage to the saxophone’s jazz heritage, with a simple, yet haunting tango. The movement’s understated elegance is a testament to Mackey’s ability to create music that is both sophisticated and accessible, a perfect balance of form and emotion.
The concerto concludes with the Finale, a virtuosic tour de force that pushes the saxophone to its limits. Mackey’s writing here is both exhilarating and demanding, requiring the soloist to navigate a series of challenging passages with speed, precision, and flair. This movement is a fitting end to a concerto that is as much a celebration of the saxophone as it is a tribute to the traditions of wind ensemble music.
Featuring Las Vegas’s Own Philip Kleutgens: A Rising Star on the Saxophone
This performance of Mackey’s Concerto for Soprano Saxophone will feature the extraordinary talents of Philip Kleutgens, a Las Vegas native who has quickly made a name for himself in the world of classical saxophone. With a Master of Music in Saxophone Performance from Northwestern University and an impressive list of accolades, including the 2024 Northwestern University Concerto Competition, Kleutgens is poised to deliver a performance that will leave audiences spellbound.
Kleutgens’ performance is not just a showcase of technical skill, but a testament to the vibrant music community in Las Vegas and Henderson. As a product of the Las Vegas music education system, including institutions like the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the Las Vegas Philharmonic, Kleutgens represents the pinnacle of what can be achieved through dedication, talent, and the support of a community that values the arts.
A Cultural Event for Las Vegas and Henderson: More Than Just a Concert
Kine+tic is more than just a concert—it is a cultural event that highlights the artistic excellence that exists within our local community. The Desert Winds, under the leadership of Dr. Charles A. Maguire and John Seaton, continue to elevate the standards of performance and education in Southern Nevada, providing audiences with access to world-class music right here in Henderson.
Whether you are a long-time supporter of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, a fan of the Las Vegas Young Artists Orchestra, or simply someone who appreciates great music, this concert is an opportunity to experience something truly special. This is a Smith Center-worthy performance, delivered with the passion, precision, and professionalism that you would expect from the best ensembles in the country, but with the accessibility and community spirit that only the Desert Winds can provide.
Join Us for an Evening of Unforgettable Music
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary event. The Desert Winds are ready to take you on a journey through some of the most exciting and challenging music in the wind ensemble repertoire. From the rhythmic energy of Dance Movements to the virtuosic brilliance of Concerto for Soprano Saxophone, Kine+tic is a concert that will resonate with you long after the final note has been played.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 7:30 p.m., when Kine+tic will be held in the Performing Arts Center of Pinecrest Academy Sloan Canyon. Get your tickets now and secure your place at this landmark event in the cultural life of Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada. Be part of a night that celebrates the best of what our local music community has to offer—Smith Center level performances performed in the heart of Henderson, Nevada—an evening of epic music that you will remember for years to come.
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