Program

Percy Grainger Colonial Song (1911)

Arturo Márquez Danzón No 2 (1994)

Martin O’Donnell, Michael Salvatori, Kazuma Jinnouchi Halo Suite (2024)

Katia Beaugeais First Light at Uluru (2015)

Interval

Philip Sparke Music of the Spheres (2004)

David Maslanka Give Us This Day (2005) 

About this performance

The Band of the Royal Military College returns to Llewellyn Hall for its Masterworks for Winds concert series.

Under the baton of Officer Commanding and Music Director, Major Matthew O’Keeffe, the band will perform six diverse yet brilliant masterworks for wind ensemble penned by leading international composers Philip Sparke, Arturo Márquez, Martin O’Donnell, Michael Salvatori, Kazuma Jinnouchi and David Maslanka as well as Australian composers Katia Beaugeais and the world renowned Percy Grainger.

Halo is a military science fiction franchise that started out as a game on the Xbox in 2001 and has since expanded to include twelve video games, thirty seven books, numerous comic books, four short films and a television series. The soundtracks have won numerous awards and has been credited with spawning an interest in video game music as a serious art form, where previously it had largely been scorned by serious musicians. This suite was arranged earlier this year by Musician Anthony Tenikoff and features music from the games Halo 1, 2, 3 and 4.

This concert will also feature the almost spiritual work First Light at Uluru by Katia Beaugeais. This piece is inspired by the spectacular sunrise over Uluru, one of Australia’s most famous icons. First Light at Uluru conveys the Aboriginal significance and sacred earth of Uluru. Dark and moody brass soundscapes and atmospheric wind sound effects depict the characteristic wind gusts of Uluru and symbolise the cultural significance and spiritual atmosphere of this powerful landmark. As the sun slowly rises, soft, dream-like melodies gradually build up to chorale-like passages, exploring the beautiful, lyrical sounds of the ensemble.

The Band of the Royal Military College has been a cornerstone of live concert performances in Canberra for over 60 years and whilst its role remains predominantly ceremonial, supporting various departments of the Defence Force and Government, the Band relishes all opportunities to showcase their talent and share the joy of music to members of the public throughout the year.

Supporting the Band for this series are students from the Australian National University School of Music.

“To help nurture the development of the next generation of leading musicians, we provide the opportunity to perform and demonstrate practical application of their study. The students are delighted to have the chance to learn and play with a professional ensemble which supports their development as musicians and we take our role in that very seriously” Major O’Keeffe says.

RMC Band promises to provide a sensory experience like no other and we encourage you to join us for what will be a wonderful event for all.

To ensure accessibility for all, entry to the event is via gold coin donation with all proceeds supporting Canberra Legacy. Ensure you book your seats today!