Photo via Knightwind Ensemble
Knightwind Ensemble
The Knightwind Ensemble at South Milwaukee Performing Art Center
Founded in 1956, The Knightwind Ensemble brings together more than 65 musicians from the greater Milwaukee area, performing compositions from classic chamber pieces to contemporary full wind band symphonies. Since 2010 they have been under the baton of Erik N. Janners, the director of music at Marquette University.
The Spring Concert program will present Janners’ favorite pieces from past concerts: Julie Giroux’s “To Walk with Wings,” Dana Wilson’s “Piece of Mind,” Paul Hart’s “Cartoon,” Bob Margolis’ “Terpsichore” and “Aspen Jubilee” by Ron Nelson.
The program opens with the fanfare and overture “To Walk with Wings” commissioned and premiered by the U.S. Air Force Academy Band. The composer notes that “though the piece tells the tale of the mastering of flight, the real driving force behind the music is found in the questions: ‘Who are we?’ and ‘What is out there?’” The recipient of many awards and honors, Giroux’s “Integrity Fanfare” was performed at the inauguration entrance of Vice President Kamala Harris.
Piece of Mind
Composed in 1987, Wilson’s “Piece of Mind” is a symphonic world tour of sounds and musical forms incorporating African modalities, jazz, classical techniques and East Indian structures. Its four movements—Thinking, Remembering, Feeling and Being—are a delight and challenge for any listener. Hart’s “Cartoon,” composed in 1991, is a fun piece. You can close your eyes and replay any of your favorite cartoons. The music invites you to smile and let the mouse outwit the cat or the villain finally lick the pie from his face.
After intermission, the concert resumes with Terpsichore. Composed in 1981 by Margolis, it is based upon dances composed by Michael Praetorius in 1612 for the Court of Henry IV of France. Terpsichore, the Greek Muse of dancing, is one of the nine daughters of Mnemosyne (the goddess of memory) and Zeus. In the middle of the first movement the composer uses a brass quintet to “quote” the original theme from Praetorius. The composition brings back memories of the Renaissance with its ballets, voltes, bourrées, gaillardes, and more. And there’s a surprising conclusion with a metaphysical lullaby.
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Soprano Sandi Lash of the Skylight Opera Company joins the Ensemble for the final composition, Nelson’s “Aspen Jubilee.” Nelson, who spent 13 summers at the Aspen Music Festival, composed this while “thinking of the stupendous beauty of the Rockies, blinding sunlight of snow-covered peaks; of the frontier spirit of old Aspen with its brash, funny dynamism, and its corny ragtag Fourth of July parades and fireworks displays.”
This music will open new and exciting aural passages for the listener of traditional classical music. It will be a delightful Sunday afternoon treat for all and a wonderful way to celebrate spring. As part of their mission, the ensemble collaborates with local schools with an ongoing outreach program. Members of the ensemble work with students one-on-one or in small groups.
The Knightwind Ensemble will perform its Spring Concert, 3 p.m. Sunday, April 12, at South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, 901 15th Ave, South Milwaukee.
As a final note, their Outreach Memorial Day Concert is on Monday, May 25, 2026, 12 p.m. at the Wisconsin Memorial Park, Brookfield. For tickets and additional information about the Knightwind Ensemble please visit their website: www.knightwind.org
