Liquid Melancholy
Arkansas Tech University Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Daniel A. Belongia, conductor
Arkansas Tech University Symphonic Wind Ensemble continues to deliver hit after hit, this time recruiting world-famous English clarinet player, Julian Bliss, to join them on a new concerto by composer James Stephenson: Liquid Melancholy.
Daniel A. Belongia director has NO FEAR and reminds his closest collaborators of his not-so-secret motto: “no boring concerts”. His albums are no different, and both the concerto and Lonesome Valley Folk Suite (also by Stephenson) are exciting and fun journeys through unique sonic worlds. If ANYONE doubts what ATU is capable of, hand them this album.
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About composer, James Stephenson: Composer Jim Stephenson’s music has been described as “astonishingly inventive” (Musical America). Foremost in his style is the ability to create music that resonates with musicians and audiences alike. Since becoming a full-time composer in 2007, he has enjoyed premieres in all walks of the musical landscape, including The Chicago Symphony (Muti), San Francisco Ballet, Boston Pops, and “The President’s Own” US Marine Band. The latter premiered his “Fanfare for Democracy” at the Inauguration of President Joe Biden. Other orchestras premiering Stephenson’s works include the Minnesota Orchestra (twice), St. Louis Symphony, Houston Symphony, Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, and many others. The one-act comedy opera, Cåraboo – “the true story of a false princess” – premiered in June, 2023, marking his first foray into the world of opera. Upcoming projects include his fifth symphony, and a new ballet scored for The Joffrey Ballet.
About the soloist, Julian Bliss: Julian Bliss is one of the world’s finest clarinettists, excelling as a concerto soloist, chamber musician, recitalist, jazz artist, and masterclass leader. He has inspired a generation of young players and introduced a substantial new audience to his instrument. Julian started playing the clarinet aged four and went on to study in the United States at the University of Indiana and in Germany under Sabine Meyer, turning professional aged just twelve. In recital and chamber music he has played at most of the world’s leading festivals and halls, including Gstaad, New York’s Lincoln Center, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Verbier and London’s Wigmore Hal. As a soloist, he has appeared with a wide range of international orchestras, including the Auckland Philharmonia, BBC Symphony, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, London Philharmonic, Chamber Orchestra of Paris, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sao Paolo Symphony and the Queensland Symphony.
Symphonic Wind Ensemble members:
Flutes/Piccolos
Diana Nava* Russellville, AR
Olivia Hopkins Arlington, TX
Valeria Cordero Pottsville, AR
Hannah Smith Greenbrier, AR
Alex Perez Clarksville, AR
Oboe/English Horn
Grace Davis* Cabot, AR
Kelton McGhee Morrilton, AR
Marybeth Boroughs Russellville, AR
Bassoons
Rhett Neagles* Russellville, AR
Logan Anderson Rogers, AR
Contrabassoon
Logan Anderson Rogers, AR
Bb Clarinets
Tess Butler* Lake Hamilton, AR
Jacob Stover Mount Ida, AR
Corrigan Burkett Springdale, AR
Morgan Bates Cabot, AR
Mackenzie Murphy Bryant, AR
Cadence Graves Greenwood, AR
Rebecca Davis Cabot, AR
Savannah Skaggs Greenwood, AR
Bass Clarinet
Kaitlyn Rebidue Cabot, AR
Corrigan Burkett Springdale, AR
Saxophones
Mya Manes* Morrilton, AR
Mady Johnson Dardanelle, AR
Matthew Shirey Pearcy, AR
Elizabeth Barrett Midlothian, TX
Ethan Buggar Benton, AR
Dylan Owen Lavaca, AR
Horns
Aaron Mack* Van Buren, AR
Brad Wills Dardanelle, AR
Zoe Covey-Smith Cabot, AR
Luke Walker Fort Worth, TX
Hannah Lomax Russellville, AR
Jacob Skaggs Gentry, AR
Bb/C Trumpets
Sanders Hilburn* Cabot, AR
Jake Hodges Russellville, AR
Kris Campbell Alma, AR
Drake Hyche Cabot, AR
Kendall Pomeroy Siloam Springs, AR
Hayden Judy Harrison, AR
Preston Abbott Russellville, AR
Trombones
Brendan Frazier* Denison, TX
Gunner Hodges Harrison, AR
Dawson Schalk Dover, AR
Bass Trombones
Carter Johnson Russellville, AR
Blake Mitchell Cabot, AR
Euphoniums
Brandon Williams* Russellville, AR
Preston Keeter Springdale, AR
Tubas
Sean Perdue* Cabot, AR
Bennett Ashlock Clarksville, AR
Lorenzo Castelano Dardanelle, AR
Percussion
Allison Spears* Van Buren, AR
Marlon King Pangburn, AR
Nathan Brady Cabot, AR
Riley Carpenter Dover, AR
Brandon Reynolds Cabot, AR
Jessie Hernandez Berryville, AR
Caleb Hopkins Fort Smith, AR
Alex Louden Sherwood, AR
Hunter Huffman Atkins, AR
String Bass
Tandem Young Dover, AR
Piano
Noah Pifer Cabot, AR
Harp
Lorelei Barton Tulsa, OK
Production Staff:
TJ Perry, Producer
Jon Nash, Producer
Phoebe Robertson, Producer
Nicolas del Grazia, Producer
Christian Amonson, Recording Engineer, Producer, Mixer
Lara Mitofsky Neuss, Editor
Ken Wiele, Album Photo