Mysterium by composer Jennifer Higdon is a highlight of our Spring 2023 program. This will be the Northshore Concert Band’s first performance of this work.

Dr. Higdon describes this work:

Mysterium was originally a choral work and I wanted the challenge of arranging it for wind ensemble. It is a tribute to how music magically moves people from all different cultures, backgrounds, religions.

Pulitzer Prize and three-time Grammy-winner Jennifer Higdon taught herself to play the flute at the age of 15 and began formal musical studies at 18, with an even later start in composition at the age of 21. Despite these obstacles, Jennifer has become a major figure in contemporary Classical music. Her works represent a wide range of genres, from orchestral to chamber, to wind ensemble, as well as vocal, choral, and opera. Her music has been hailed by Fanfare Magazine as having “the distinction of being at once complex, sophisticated but readily accessible emotionally,” with the Times of London citing it as “traditionally rooted, yet imbued with integrity and freshness.” The League of American Orchestras reports that she is one of America's most frequently performed composers.

We contacted Dr. Higdon and asked her to share with us her journey in music, musical influences, and inspirations.

Please tell us a bit about your journey in music and in life.

I didn't start playing an instrument until I was 15 and grew up around rock and roll, folk, and country music. My parents didn't play classical music in our house so I learned a lot from The Beatles!

What have been some of your musical influences?

John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Copland and Stravinsky

Please share a bit about your favorite musical memory.

There are so many but winning the Pulitzer is definitely one of my top 3! You aren't contacted before the announcement and everyone finds out when it's put up on the Pulitzer website. Suddenly, my phone started blowing up with calls!

What is on your Spotify playlist or in your music library?

I have more than 3,000 CDs and at least 80% is contemporary classical. I love listening to all kinds of music. Allison Krause and The Chicks are two of my favorites.

What inspires you?

The musicians I get to work with.

What do you do to relax

I'm a huge movie fan and, before the pandemic, would go to the theaters at least once or twice a week.

Please add anything else that you would like our audience to know about you.

You don't have to know anything about classical music to enjoy my music. I just want the musicians and audience members to feel something from the music.

A special thank you to Jennifer Higdon for speaking with us and giving permission to reproduce this material. Please visit her website jenniferhigdon.com to learn more about her and her work.

FESTIVE BEGINNING
Sunday, April 16, 2023, 3:00 pm
Leemputte Family Theater, McGrath Family Performing Arts Center, Loyola Academy, 3424 Illinois Road, Wilmette, IL

Learn more about the Northshore Concert Band at www.northshoreband.org

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Composer Jennifer Higdon