Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The SFA Wind Ensemble will present its season-opening concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus.

The program features the world premiere of the band transcription of Stephen Lias's "Pursued," written by SFA Wind Ensemble conductor Fred Allen.

Lias, SFA professor of composition, first wrote the piece for Louisiana Sinfonietta, a professional string orchestra based in Baton Rouge. It was also performed by the Chamber Orchestra Kremlin in Carnegie Hall.

"When I heard the SFA Chamber Orchestra perform the piece last Fall, I immediately asked Steve for permission to transcribe it for band," Allen said. "It is such an energetic and colorful piece, I could just imagine a band version, even as I was hearing the orchestra play it."

Lias agrees that the original is predominantly energetic. "But the overall impact was tempered by the natural lyricism of string instruments," the composer explained. "In the new transcription, Fred has augmented the drama with the larger performing forces and broader color palette unique to the wind ensemble."

The program also includes a new work by American composer Frank Ticheli, "Symphony No. 2" and the overture to "Beatrice and Benedict" by Hector Berlioz.

David W. Campo, SFA associate director of bands and director of the Lumberjack Band, will guest conduct "The Army of the Nile" by Kenneth Alford.

The university's premier concert band, the SFA Wind Ensemble performs regularly for convention and clinics of the Texas Music Educators Association and the College Band Directors National Association.

The concert is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts and School of Music.

Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $2 for students. For tickets or more information, please visit www.sfasu.edu/finearts or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.