The Planets: IAA Wind Symphony’s First Concert of the Year

Written by Jad Ibrahim & Xiye Chen

On Jan. 31, the IAA Wind Symphony performed its first concert of the year at Corson Auditorium. The program featured The Planets, an orchestral suite by English composer Gustav Holst, performed in a unique all-winds arrangement rather than the traditional full orchestral version. This was done in collaboration with NASA imagery, which projected corresponding illustrations of each of the planets behind the players. This new arrangement highlighted the distinct color and role potential of wind instruments, offering a fresh perspective on a well-known masterpiece.

At the beginning of the concert, in collaboration with the Theatre Department, the Wind Symphony featured the fanfare from The Three-Cornered Hat by Manuel de Falla. This is the opening of Falla’s 1919 ballet. It reflects Spanish folk and dance influences, presenting a festive mood.

Clarinetist John Wolch, a third-year junior majoring in classical clarinet, said about the part, “[It’s] very exhausting because we take over the original string parts, and clarinets have lots of solos.” 

“Overall, the music, specifically the string parts, is less fluid because of the characteristics of the woodwinds.”

John says that learning his part well took some effort on confidence and dynamic ranges to get where he needed to be.

Among all the movements, “Jupiter” stands out as both the most challenging and John’s personal favorite, as it demands precision and strong musical confidence. That confidence was clearly displayed during the concert. As the Wind Symphony continues to refine its sound, audiences can look forward to more compelling performances in the future.

Orchestra members are also currently preparing passionately for the Imagine US tour in March, which will be played in three different cities–Detroit, Philadelphia, and Boston–in addition to here at Interlochen. The IAA orchestra will be playing side by side with some of the local symphony orchestra members in these cities.

To learn more about this and future concerts and events, visit the IAA events page.