John Cameron Wilson, guest conductor

Prelude: 49th Parallel was composed for the 1941 film, 49th Parallel - The Invaders. This film is a British war film, portraying a German U-boat crew becoming stranded in Canada. The Prelude is the most famous and memorable piece from the score, utilized to uplift and influence the United States, which was then neutral to enter the war. This work is quintessentially English in its musical style. The power, drama, and depth of this piece is something that bands have proudly performed since the premiere of Vaughan Williams work.

Ralph Vaughan Williams was an English composer known for his contributions to symphonic, choral, and wind band music. Drawing inspiration from English folk traditions, he developed a distinctive musical style that blended lyrical melodies with rich harmonies. His most famous works include The Lark Ascending, Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, and A Sea Symphony. Vaughan Williams also played a key role in reviving English folk music and was a major figure in 20th-century British classical music. His compositions remain widely performed and celebrated for their emotional depth and national character.

Program note and composer biography researched and written by Elisabeth Jackson