.png)
This year, Piedmont Wind Symphony (PWS) celebrates a remarkable 35 years of musical excellence, and at the heart of this milestone is Rob Simon, the symphony’s Founder and Conductor Emeritus. Rob’s journey with PWS has been defined by his passion, dedication, and a deep love for the transformative power of music. As he reflects on the last three and a half decades, he shares, “I’m astonished it has been 35 years since our premiere concert in the Stevens Center. The first concert program was a marathon packed with our favorite masterpieces just in case it was our first and only concert!” That inaugural concert marked the beginning of a lasting legacy—a legacy that has brought together musicians, guest artists, and the Winston-Salem Community for decades.
A key highlight of the anniversary celebration will be on February 15th at 7:30 PM at Wait Chapel, Wake Forest University, where Piedmont Wind Symphony will perform Lincolnshire Posy by Percy Aldridge Grainger. This iconic piece, which was part of PWS's very first concert, holds a special place in the symphony’s history. Rob Simon describes it as “the seminal 20th-century core composition to the wind symphony repertory. It is a mesmerizing composition with dual appeal to the audience and performers. It is a challenging work based on English folksongs with rich harmony and unique rhythms.” Its inclusion in this anniversary concert ties the symphony’s past to its present, making it a perfect choice for the occasion.
But the celebration doesn't stop there. In a special treat for audiences, Rob Simon will once again take the podium to conduct PWS for a rare performance with the legendary Canadian Brass. This concert will feature a unique collaboration with PWS Alumni—musicians who have been part of the ensemble over the last 35 years. Rob reflects fondly, “There is quite a brother and sisterhood with the musicians that have performed over these 35 years. I consider myself very lucky to have worked with all of our performers since the 1980’s.”
Over the past 35 years, the Piedmont Wind Symphony has achieved remarkable milestones, and Rob Simon takes great pride in the ensemble’s history. Reflecting on the countless performances, he shares, “There is much pride in the landmark achievements in performance over these decades. I’ve had the privilege of conducting over 150 concerts, each one filled with unforgettable moments. Some of the most memorable nights were those we spent with incredible guest artists we brought to Winston-Salem—artists like Arturo Sandoval, Kenny G, Three Dog Night, Frederick Fennell, Maynard Ferguson, Dionne Warwick, Paul Anka, and many others. Each performance helped shape the legacy of the symphony and enriched our community.” These collaborations with renowned artists are just a few of the highlights that have defined PWS’s ongoing success.
Rob’s passion for the PWS has never wavered, even as he stepped into the role of Conductor Emeritus. He continues to be impressed by the direction of the current Artistic Director and Conductor, Mark Norman. “Mark is creative, energetic, and very talented. He has the perfect combination to keep the organization vibrant and rising to new levels.”
As we celebrate 35 years of music, we honor Rob Simon’s vision, leadership, and enduring influence on the PWS. Join us at Canadian Brass! for a concert that brings together alumni, community, and a stellar guest performance by Canadian Brass—a fitting tribute to Rob’s incredible legacy with Piedmont Wind Symphony.
Comentarios