BIKEncerto: a concerto for solo bicycle and orchestra
04.15.26 | Armstrong Concert Hall
Percussion Ensemble
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Armstrong Concert Hall
Shenandoah Conservatory
Program
BIKEncerto: a concerto for solo bicycle and orchestra
I. Everything Movement
II. Spokes Movement
III. Metallic Movement
IV. Tires Movement
Reynaliz Herrera (b. 1984)
Program Notes
With my work BIKEncerto: a concerto for solo bicycle and orchestra, I challenged myself to explore the bicycle as a musical instrument in a more mature, nuanced and in-depth way. I want to treat these types of instruments (unconventional percussion and bicycles) as seriously as you would treat a violin, and show that they are capable of making interesting, complex, colorful and sophisticated music.
BIKEncerto: a concerto for solo bicycle and orchestra features the bicycle as a soloist instrument, accompanied by a strings and woodwinds orchestra. The work is comprised of four different musical movements (sections), each of them featuring a different bicycle sound.
I. Everything Movement
Influenced by octatonic scales and free jazz., the first movemenet explores and features all the different sounds of the bicycle (metallic, spokes, tires, etc).
II. Spokes Movement
Inspired on Balinese Gamelan music, the second movement explores and features the sounds of the “Melodic Spokes” using Reynaliz Herrera’s “Spokes Keyboard.” You will hear melodies with the spokes, accompanied by a colorful and playful blend of the strings and woodwinds.
III. Metallic Movement
Using atonal music and featuring latin rhythms, polyrhythms and a mechanical feel, the third movement explores and features in detail all the metallic sounds of the bicycle (frame tubes, chain-wheel, spoke protector disc, wheel rim, etc).
IV. Tires Movement
Inspired by the rhythms of Brazilian samba, the fourth movement blends all musical elements into a sonic “Carnival,” highlighting the sounds of the bicycle’s tires and featuring Reynaliz Herrera’s inventive “Tires Keyboard.”
Dean's Circle
When you join the Shenandoah Conservatory Dean’s Circle, your annual member support helps Shenandoah Conservatory address the costs of excellence in performing arts training, equipping state-of-the-art facilities, hiring world-class faculty, and fostering experimental and creative student projects.
Join Now >
Shenandoah Conservatory is grateful to the Dean's Circle for supporting our creative community of artists, scholars and educators.
Meet the Dean's Circle >
To learn more about joining the Dean’s Circle and the other ways you can make a transformative gift to Shenandoah Conservatory visit www.su.edu/performs/support or contact:
Shenandoah University Office of Advancement
give@su.edu | (540) 665-4512
Shenandoah University is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All gifts are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
Friends of the Conservatory
As a Friend of the Conservatory, you designate your support for a specific academic department, student ensemble, high profile guest artist or special initiative. Your gift demonstrates your appreciation for the important role the arts play in our lives and our community.
Join Now >
Shenandoah Conservatory is grateful to the Friends of the Conservatory for supporting our creative community of artists, scholars and educators.
Meet the Friends of the Conservatory >
Contact Shenandoah University's Office of Advancement at (540) 665-4512 or give@su.edu for more information or other ways to give.
Shenandoah University is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All gifts are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
Partner Acknowledgment
