DENTON (UNT), Texas — The University of North Texas College of Music will celebrate the music of Russian composers, some very familiar and some who are not typically featured in popular concert repertoire.

The concert will be performed by the UNT Symphonic Band, conducted by professor of music and associate director of wind studies, Dennis Fisher. A faculty member since 1982, Fisher is known for his extensive national and international experience as a conductor, arranger, clinician and consultant and has served as the principal guest conductor of the Volga Band, in Saratov, Russia since 2006.

“It is exciting to do an entire concert featuring Russian composers,” Fisher said. “To prepare, we brought in the composer and resident conductor of the Volga Band, Dennis Mariev, via Skype so that the students had the opportunity to collaborate with a Russian composer and experience the country’s culture.”

 Mariev composed one of the pieces for the concert, Symphony No. 1, that will have its U.S. premier on Thursday.

“With more than 75 percent of the students performing with the Symphonic Band for the first time,  I’m very proud of how they have grown in our short time together on this extremely demanding program,” Fisher said. “Attendees are sure to enjoy their exciting and exhilarating first concert of the season.”

For those who are unable to attend the concert in person, be sure to join us via live stream.

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