UL Wind Ensemble prepares for world premiere of "Birds Of Paradise"

The UL Wind Ensemble will present the world premiere performance of “BIRDS OF PARADISE” by James Syler on Tuesday, November 21, 2023. The free concert takes place at 7pm in Angelle Auditorium on the UL-Lafayette campus.

“BIRDS OF PARADISE” is a new 3-movement Concerto for Alto Saxophone & Wind Ensemble, commissioned by UL Bands and a consortium of 11 universities. Consortium leader, Dr. William Hochkeppel (UL’s Director of Bands) will be saxophone soloist, while Dr. Shaun Popp (UL’s new Associate Band Director) leads the Wind Ensemble.

The concert theme: “BIRD SONGS” opens with the UL Jazz Ensemble playing Waxwing, Blackbird, Songbird & others. The Wind Ensemble portion also features music inspired or depicting various birds, including “CHANT OF THE PHOENIX,” with “BIRDS OF PARADISE” closing the program. Composer James Syler will be on hand to work with UL musicians, and will introduce his new concerto from the stage on November 21.

The special honor of a world premiere, with UL as consortium leader, in collaboration with an award-winning composers is rare, and we'd love to have you with us. It's a free concert— and a good time will be had by all!

For more information please contact:

Dr. Wm. J. Hochkeppel, Director of Bands
UL School of Music, Angelle Hall
601 E. St. Mary Bvd.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
P.O. Box 41207
Lafayette, LA 70504
(337) 482-5669
william.hochkeppel@louisiana.edu