Diane Hunger
The Syracuse University Wind Ensemble will present a concert on Tuesday, April 19, at 8 p.m. in the Rose and Jules R. Setnor Auditorium, Crouse College. The concert is free and open to the public.
Under the direction of Bradley P. Ethington and Justin J. Mertz—faculty members in the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Rose, Jules R. and Stanford S. Setnor School of Music—and graduate conducting associate Anna K. Bosler, the Wind Ensemble will perform works by Giovanni Gabrieli, Jack Stamp, Johannes Brahms, Claude T. Smith and Henry Fillmore. The program will also include Libby Larsen’s “Holy Roller” featuring saxophone soloist Diane Hunger, a member of the Setnor faculty.
While challenging for its saxophonist, the impressive “Holy Roller” offers a rousing experience for the audience.
“Libby Larsen was inspired by classic revival preaching for this work,” says Hunger. “She included rhythmical as well as lyrical aspects, call and response, spontaneous exclamation and a dramatic emotional range. The saxophonist has to use different tone colors, a vast range of articulation, dynamic nuances and extremes throughout the entire range of the instrument to bring to life the atmosphere, sounds and heightened emotions of a revival meeting.”
A native of Germany, Hunger performs frequently as a soloist and chamber musician throughout Europe and the United States. She holds the tenor chair in the critically acclaimed Mana Saxophone Quartet and is a member of the Duo Klang par2. She frequently transcribes music for saxophones; recent projects include Dvorak’s Terzetto Op. 74 and Larsen’s “Yellow Jersey.” She is also committed to the expansion of dynamic new works for saxophones and frequently interacts and works with composers to expand the repertoire for saxophones.
Hunger joined the Setnor faculty in fall 2015 and has been warmly welcomed by the school’s students, faculty and staff.
“I really like the sense of community among the students as well as the teachers at the Setnor School,” she says. “Among the students there is this buzz of helping one another out and supporting one another, volunteering together for various projects, as well as interest in the different aspects of a musician’s life—all essential parts of a successful career.”
The Wind Ensemble is the University’s premiere concert band and is primarily made up of musicians from within the Setnor School of Music.
For most Setnor Auditorium events, free and accessible concert parking is available on campus in the Q-1 lot, located behind Crouse College. If this lot is full or unavailable, guests will be redirected. Campus parking availability is subject to change, so please call 315-443-2191 for current information. For more information about the concert, contact the University Band Office at 315-443-2194.
