Wind Ensemble in Argentina

The University of Georgia Wind Ensemble under the direction of John Lynch, UGA Director of Bands, toured Argentina recently from May 10 to May 17 as an invited performing ensemble for the nation's 200th bicentennial celebration.  The travelling party of 60 included students and faculty including Dale Monson, Director of the Hugh Hodgson School of Music, and faculty soloists Angela Jones-Reus (flute), Amy Marinello (bassoon) and Scott Pollard (percussion).

The Wind Ensemble was based in the heart of Buenos Aires, one of South America's most vibrant cities, with side trips to Hurlingham and Mercedes.  They performed four concerts to enthusiastic packed houses including one at the Conservatory in Buenos Aires, one for grade school students in Hurlingham, a concert in the nearby city of Mercedes (photo below), and a joint performance with the Hurlingham Youth Symphony at the famous concert hall of the Law School of Buenos Aires.  The repertoire was a combination of music from Latin American and the United States including a new flute concerto "The Shadow of Sirius" commissioned by UGA from Baltimore composer Joel Puckett featuring Angela Jones-Reus.  Amy Marinello and Scott Pollard performed a tango duet by famous Argentinian composer Astor Piazzola.

Everyone had a wonderful time and exposure to this new culture was a life changing experience.  The trip included tours of the vibrant neighborhoods and most significant sights in Buenos Aires, a tango dinner show, and a day at a traditional Gaucho ranch complete with horseback riding, a folk music and dance show and traditional Argentinian barbeque.  The members of The University of Georgia Wind Ensemble enjoyed serving as positive ambassadors for the University and the United States.