David Maslanka is one of the most prominent composers of wind band repertoire. Prior to his passing in August 2017, he began work on Symphony No. 10, which was completed by his son Matthew, and will be premiered by the University of Utah Wind Ensemble on their April 3rd concert. The work will be conducted under the baton of University of Utah director of bands, Professor Scott Hagen. David Maslanka worked closely with Professor Hagen and the U of U Wind Ensemble, and was consistently impressed with the students' investment and dedication to their craft.

Symphony No. 10 is an expansive piece that moves through a range of emotions from pain and tragedy, to peace and reconciliation. Hagen describes Maslanka's music as heartfelt and reflective. Hagen said, "all of his music requires a level of emotional investment and the musicians who play his music become better musicians as a result of it." This work will be recorded and will release around November of this year. This will be the second album of his music recorded by the U of U Wind Ensemble.

Piano performance major Carson Malen expressed his excitement in premiering a new work like this. "Some of Maslanka's writing is not typical, but when everything comes together, it's incredible." Malen will be tasked with executing some difficult passages of intense dissonance and quick triplet figures.

The world premiere of this work has drawn national and international attention. Professor Hagen has said he's received messages on the group's social media sites from as far away as Japan expressing their excitement and anticipation for the work to be premiered. Hagen says this is one of the most important concerts that he will have produced at the University of Utah.

Join the Wind Ensemble in this historic premiere at Libby Gardner Hall on 4/3 at 7:30PM, with a pre-concert lecture at 6:45PM, with David's son, Matthew Maslanka. Matthew will be in residence for rehearsals, the concert, and recording sessions. Ticket prices and additional information can be found here.