Trailblazers: Celebrating Women Composers

Music lovers are invited to experience an extraordinary afternoon of powerful compositions as the Arizona Winds presents “Trailblazers: Celebrating Women Composers”. This inspiring concert shines a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of women in the world of band literature, featuring a dynamic repertoire that showcases their creativity, innovation, and artistry. The performance will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 12 at the Vista Center for the Arts in Surprise, and offers the audience members a chance to immerse themselves in a program that spans a range of styles, from bold fanfares to evocative rhapsodies and thrilling contemporary works.

The afternoon opens with Fanfare Esprit by Carol Britton Chambers, a commanding and celebratory piece that sets the tone for the concert. Following this, audiences will then be treated to Erika Svanoe’s Steampunk Suite, a four-movement work that blends whimsical storytelling with inventive musical themes, creating a unique and engaging listening experience. Yukiko Nishimura’s Key West Pink! is a lively and colorful piece inspired by the beauty and Latin charm of Key West. Its bright Latin rhythms, quirky syncopation, and lively percussion capture Key West’s carefree personality. The first half concludes with Julie Giroux’s Italian Rhapsody, bursting with operatic flair and folk charm, weaving Puccini, Verdi, and street‑band zest into a spirited celebration of Italian‑American identity.

After a brief intermission, the concert resumes with another signature work by Carol Britton Chambers entitled Symphonic Dance No. 1, which bursts with rhythmic vitality and bold, modern color. Blending syncopation, lyrical contrast, and driving percussion, the piece showcases Chambers’ flair for energetic, audience‑friendly writing. Julie Giroux’s three-movement work, Culloden, follows, offering a dramatic and deeply expressive musical depiction of the historic British-Scottish battle that took place in the Scottish highlands in 1746. The program concludes with Early Light by Carolyn Bremer, an unmistakenly American piece inspired by “The Star‑Spangled Banner”, drawing on our cultural heritage, and baseball, America’s Pastime. As a thrilling encore, the ensemble will perform Julie Giroux’s Integrity, Fanfare and March, a rousing and energetic march from her three-movement work, “No Finer Calling”.

This concert is more than just a performance—it is a celebration of the groundbreaking women who have shaped the wind ensemble landscape. Historically, women composers have often been overlooked, but their contributions are undeniable. Trailblazers: Celebrating Women Composers seeks to highlight their achievements and bring their works to the forefront, ensuring their voices are heard and appreciated. “We are thrilled to present this program featuring such an incredible lineup of women composers,” says Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Rich Shelton, the band’s Music Director and Director. “Each piece tells a story, evokes emotion, and showcases the immense talent of these composers. This concert is a tribute to their artistry and a reminder of the importance of diversity in music.”

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of music by your Arizona Winds. The concert is free and open to the public. Doors open at 3:00 p.m. and the concert begins at 4:00 p.m. in the Vista Center for the Arts, 15660 N. Parkview Place, Surprise.

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