Thomas C. Duffy, Music Director

As a musical nationalist, Ottorino Respighi drew inspiration from Italy’s rich musical heritage. This creative influence is especially noticeable in his gorgeous work Vetrate di chiesa (Church Windows), which dramatically portrays various religious events depicted in the stained glass windows of Italian churches. Respighi’s splendid orchestration, both powerful and lush, culminates with the addition of organ at the piece’s grand close.

Ave Maria (F. Biebl), O Magnum Mysterium (M. Lauridsen), and Hymn for Emmanuel (J. Syler). This contemplative triptych features Hymn for Emmanuel, a tribute to the nine people who lost their lives in the 2015 church shooting in Charleston, SC.

Frank Ticheli’s Symphony No. 2 is a dynamic work whose three movements represent three types of celestial lights: shooting stars, the moon, and the sun. From its bright, dance-like opening to the dreamily peaceful second movement and the blazing finale, Ticheli’s Symphony is as exciting to listen to as it is to play.

Additional music:

Canzona (Peter Mennin), Ziggurat (Viet Cuong)

Public info phone: (203) 432-4111; http://www.yale.edu/yaleband