Musical groups to honor composers

The NIU Chamber Winds and Madrigal Singers will entertain Wednesday with music from late 16th and 20th century composers.

The groups will be performing in the Music Building Recital Hall at 8:00 p.m. The performances are free and open to the public.

Large Ensemble secretary Kirk Lundbeck said, “The Chamber Winds is a select group of musicians made up of members of the NIU Wind Emsemble and the NIU Philharmonic Orchestra.”

The Chamber Winds will perform the “Petite Symphony” by Charles Gounod, Lundbeck said. Graduate assistant Chelsea Tipton will conduct the piece.

The Madrigal Singers, under the direction of NIU Choral Activities Director Elwood Smith, “will perform several late 16th century works from composers such as John Farmer, Thomas Bateman and John Wilbye, along with a piece called “A Swan” by 20th century composer Paul Hindemith,” Lundberg said.

Stephen Squires will conduct the second half of the program, featuring NIU’s graduate string quartet, Squires said.

The first piece is “Eight Instrumental Miniatures” by composer Igor Stravinsky, he said. “The program will conclude with a famous piece by 20th century composer Charles Ives.”