Spring 2025 Performances
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Brad Dawson and the Live Edge Trio
Monday, February 3, 7:30 p.m., FREE BCPA Recital Hall
Director of Jazz Studies at Fort Hays State University, Brad Dawson serves as principal
trumpet with the Hays Symphony and performs with several jazz groups and big bands
and as a soloist. He has performed with Frank Mantooth, Kevin Mahogany, Kim Park,
Tommy Ruskin, Gerald Spaits, and Bob Bowman.
Live Edge Trio features Ben Markley on piano, Seth Lewis on bass, and Andy Wheelock
on drums. For this performance, the trio welcomes drummer Alejandro Castańo. Live
Edge writes and arranges music that reflects and builds upon the rich history of the
jazz piano trio, featuring hard-swinging, harmonically rich, and infectiously groovy
tunes.
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Guest Artists: Joseph Alessi, trombone & John Dixon, piano
Wednesday, February 5, 2:00 p.m., FREE BCPA Recital Hall
UW Music welcomes Joseph Alessi, Principal Trombone of the New York Philharmonic,
and John Dickson, piano, for a free, public recital of works for trombone and piano.
The program will include pieces by Roger Boutry and Chick Corea, as well as by pianist
and composer John Dickson.
Joseph Alessi has been with the New York Philharmonic since 1985, and previously performed
with the San Francisco Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, and Montreal Symphony Orchestra.
Alessi was also guest principal trombonist with the London Symphony Orchestra in Carnegie
Hall.
John Dickson brings a unique blend of musical artistry and versatility to the craft
of composition. A multi-instrumentalist, he has an exceptional background in composing
music for film, television and the recording industry as well as performing with such
artists as Barbra Streisand, Elton John, Seth Macfarlane, and Ray Charles.
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UW Double Reed Day Final Concert
Saturday, February 15, 3:00 p.m., FREE BCPA Recital Hall
The University of Wyoming's Double Reed Day, which fesatures masterclasses and rehearsals for reed players of all ages and levels, culminates in a free, public concert at 3:00 p.m. in the BCPa Recitl hall.
Our Wind Symphony conductor, Dr. Matthew Schlomer, will be conducting with Double Reed Day Ensemble this year.
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Live Edge Trio w/ Kovalcheck and Sommer
Monday, February 17, 7:30 p.m., FREE BCPA Recital Hall
Live Edge Trio with Steve Kovalcheck and Peter Sommer
Peter Sommer – Saxophone
Steve Kovalcheck – Guitar
Ben Markley – Piano
Seth Lewis – Bass
Andy Wheelock – Drums
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UW Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band
Friday, February 21, 7:30 p.m. BCPA Concert Hall
This concert explores music, from modern to ancient, that is intended to command attention.
The Symphonic Band, conducted by Dr. Joseph Carver with assistance from graduate student
Logan Dominguez, will present “Backlash” by Katahj Copley; “Kentucky 1800” by Clare
Grundman (conducted by Logan Dominguez); “Aces of the Air” by Karl L. King (arr. James
Swearingen); and “Rest” by Frank Ticheli.
The UW Wind Symphony, conducted by Dr. Matthew Schlomer with assistance from graduate
student Malori Barnhart, will perform “Selections from the Danserye” by Tielman Susato
(arr. Patrick Dunnigan); “The Sight That Awaits Us” by Kelijah Dunton; and “Dancefares”
by Jess Turner.
Highlights of the Wind Symphony’s set include Michael Mower's virtuosic “Concerto
for Flute and Wind Ensemble,” performed by UW faculty member and flutist Nicole Riner,
as well as “Circus Polka,” a piece originally written by Igor Stravinsky as a ballet
for dozens of "young elephants."

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Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra
Monday, February 24, 7:30 p.m. UW Arts & Sciences Auditorium
John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton, and Jeff Clayton founded the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.
While in their twenties, John and Jeff Hamilton toured and recorded with Monty Alexander,
then moved on to separate big band environs. Jeff joined Woody Herman and John signed
up for Count Basie.
All along, Jeff Clayton had been performing and recording in Los Angeles. In 1986,
the three men came together in L.A. and formed the Jazz Orchestra. In 2020, Jeff Clayton
passed away after a lengthy illness. The CHJO reminds audiences that his spirit remains
in every note that is played. The excitement of this powerful 19-piece band is the
result of the band’s stellar performances and John’s writing.
Their music is composed and arranged by John, and it is not unusual to hear his take
on a composition by Jeff Hamilton or something from the Hamilton trio book.
Along with multiple Grammy© nominations, the orchestra is featured on recordings with
Milt Jackson, Diana Krall, John Pizzarelli, Charles Aznavour, Ernie Andrews, Barbara
Morrison, Natalie Cole and many more.
From 1999-2001, they were the in-resident jazz orchestra for the Hollywood Bowl. Their
busy schedule still finds them touring the U.S., Europe and Japan, often premiering
extended works at jazz festivals and in concert halls.
People often describe their sound as being influenced by Ellington, Basie and Thad
Jones. This would never be denied by the orchestra, but one listen lets you know that
their voice is unique, distinct and impactful.

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Elmer Churampi
Wednesday, February 26, 12:00 p.m. Skylight Lounge, UW Union
 UW Music's 2024-2025 Eminent Artist-in-Residence series, "The Future of 'Classical'
Music," welcomes Elmer Churampi, trumpet, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, on campus February
24 - 26.
Churampi will play for the UW Jazz Festival on February 24.
He will give a FREE, PUBLIC RECITAL on Wednesday, February 26 at 12:00 p.m. in the Skylight Lounge
of the UW Union, joined by collaborative pianist Jiwon Han.
A native of Lima, Peru, Churampi began playing trumpet when he was 4 years old, was
a soloist with the National Symphony of Peru by age 7 and accepted to Peru's National
Conservatory of Music by age 10. Winner of many competitions, Churampi has been featured
on NPR's From the Top, played with the Boston Pops, Boston Symphony, and Chicago Symphony,
and plays with the Dallas Symphony.
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Cowboys, Sing On!
Friday, February 28 & Saturday, March 1 BCPA Concert Hall
Participants for the two-day festival will have the opportunity to sing with UW Choirs,
enhance music literacy skills, improve vocal technique, make friends from other schools,
and perform on the BCPA Concert Hall stage.
A free public Showcase Performance will be held on Friday, February 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall.
The concert will feature Laramie Civic Chorus, conducted by O’Neil Jones with Francine
Cancian, piano; Laramie Children’s Chorus, directed by Allison Murray and Beth Kean
with Michael Lechner, piano; and UW Collegiate Chorale, conducted by Brian C. Murray
with guest conductors Emily Peterson and Michael Lechner and Allisson Garcia, piano.
Featured performers include Lauren Lestage, soprano; Magdalena Wór, mezzo-soprano;
Erik J. Erlandson, baritone; David Plank, organ; Katherine Lechner, flute; Giovanna
Volpi Smeiske, violin; Michael Vitanza, violin; Kiara Sheffield, cello; and Valentina
Gavrilova, organ.
The free, public Festival Performance, featuring festival participants and UW Choirs, will be held Saturday, March 1, at 3:00 p.m. in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall.
The concert will include the Happy Jacks; the Singing Statesmen, conducted by Brian
C. Murray and guest conductor Emily Peterson with Alisson Garcia, piano; the Festival
Tenor Bass Singers, conducted by Brian C. Murray with Alisson Garcia, piano; 7220
Blues, Brynley LaChance, student director with Bryn Catlin, piano; Bel Canto, conducted
by O’Neil Jones and guest conductor Emily Peterson, with Renato da Silva, piano; Festival
Treble Singers, conducted by O’Neil Jones with Renato da Silva, piano; and finally
the Combined Festival Singers, conducted by Brian C. Murray with Alisson Garcia, piano.
Featured performers include Diego Frometa-Batezini, tenor; Soyeon Kang, piano; and
Emily Peterson, percussion.
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Trio Pantoum
Friday, March 5, 5:00 p.m. BCPA Recital Hall
Next up in UW Music's Eminent Artist 20244-2025 Series, "The Future of Classical Music,"
is Trio Pantoum on March 5 at 5:00 p.m. in the BCPA Recital Hall.
This free, pubic concert will feature music by Giancarlo Aquilanti, Maurice Ravel,
and Anton Arensky.
Founded in 2016 at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Paris, the award-winning
Trio Pantoum has established itself in Europe and beyond as one of today's leading
young chamber ensembles. Acclaimed in major concert halls on three continents, the
trio has collaborated with many notable artists.
Joining the Trio is the University of Northern Colorado Chamber Winds, Dr. Matthew
Schlomer, guest conductor.
Don't miss it!
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UW Symphony Orchestra: The Jacoby Competition Finals
Thursday, March 6, 7:30 p.m. BCPA Concert Hall
The worlds of competition and classical music meet head-on March 6, as UW’s finest
student musician will be chosen at this year’s Jacoby Competition. The concert is
at 7:30 in the Buchanan Center Concert Hall. The Jacoby Competition never fails to
be one of the UWSO’s most exciting events. Dr. Michael Griffith will conduct.
What you’ll hear is actually the finals of a two-stage competition. Months ago, many
UW music students performed their selected solo in the audition round. An entire day
was devoted to that, late in the fall semester. A panel of distinguished musicians
served as judges, and chose the very best to perform on this concert. Another set
of judges will be at the concert, and will decide upon the best two performances of
the evening. The winners will receive significant cash awards.
The Competition will have an incredibly varied program. You’ll hear our best, and
also experience the breadth of our program. This year’s soloists, and their repertoire,
are:
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Jeffrey Cuevas, baritone: Rossini, Largo al Factotum from The Barber of Seville
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Emilee Ewing, flute: Gordeli, concerto
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Bryce Hebert, alto saxophone: Maurice, Tableau de Provence
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Ryan Larsen, alto saxophone: Dubois, concerto
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Marlon Rissatto, trombone: Grøndahl, concerto
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Michael Vitanza, violin: Sarasate, Zigeunerweisen
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Jacob Walker, alto saxophone: Creston, concerto
And then? That exciting moment when UW Arts and Sciences Interim Dean Adrienne Freng
announces the judges’ decision!
The concert is named after Dorothy Jacoby, a founding member of your Symphony Association,
and a long-time supporter of classical music in Laramie. After her passing, her sons
Peter and Michael Jacoby made a generous contribution in honor of their mother. That
gift, along with contributions from many of Dorothy's friends, created the endowment
that funds the prize.

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Organ Concert
Sunday, March 16, 3:00 p.m., FREE BCPA Concert Hall
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Adam Birnbaum Trio
Wednesday, March 26, 7:30 p.m., FREE BCPA Recital Hall
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Han/Kang Piano Duo Recital
Friday, March 28, 7:30 p.m., FREE BCPA Concert Hall
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Wyoming Baroque
Saturday, March 29, 7:30 p.m., FREE BCPA Concert Hall
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Faculty Recital: Magdalena Wór, Glêsse Collet, Theresa Bogard
Sunday, March 30, 3:00 p.m., FREE BCPA Recital Hall
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UW Music Presents: Peter Mack
Saturday, April 5, 7:30 p.m., FREE BCPA Recital Hall
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UW Concertmaster Fund Recital
Thursday, April 10, 7:00 p.m. BCPA Recital Hall

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UW Wind Symphony and Laramie High School Band
Saturday, April 12, 7:30 p.m. BCPA Concert Hall

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Guest Artist: Sarah Coburn and Theresa Bogard
Tuesday, April 15, 7:30 p.m., FREE BCPA Recital Hall
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UW Jazz Combos
Wednesday, April 16, 7:30 p.m., FREE BCPA Recital Hall
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UW Jazz Ensembles I and II
Thursday, April 17, 7:30 p.m. BCPA Concert Hall

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Bill O'Connell Trio
Monday, April 21, 7:30 p.m., FREE BCPA Recital Hall
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Faculty Recital: Fadial-Han
Thursday, April 24, 7:30 p.m., FREE BCPA Recital Hall
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Opera Theatre
Friday, April 25, 7:30 p.m., FREE BCPA Concert Hall
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Happy Jacks and 7220 Blues
Sunday, April 27, 3:00 p.m., FREE BCPA Recital Hall
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Sympatico Trio
Sunday, April 27, 7:00 p.m., FREE BCPA Concert Hall
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Andy Garland
Tuesday, April 29, 7:30 p.m., FREE BCPA Recital Hall
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UW Community and Symphonic Bands
Thursday, May 1, 7:30 p.m. BCPA Concert Hall

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Carmina Burana feat. UW Wind Symphony and Choirs
Saturday, May 3, 7:30 p.m. BCPA Concert Hall

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Helios Trio
Monday, May 5, 7:30 p.m., FREE BCPA Recital Hall
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UW Symphony Orchestra: Mahler 4
Thursday, May 8, 7:30 p.m. BCPA Concert Hall

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Front Range Piano Quartet
Wednesday, May 14, 7:30 p.m., FREE BCPA Recital Hall
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