The third performance of the Australian Wind Symphony’s 2023 season offers an electrifying, colourful and passionate concert of contemporary classical music. Fulminare! takes the stage at Llewellyn Hall on Saturday 23 September.

“Fulminare is Latin for ‘striking’; we took it to provide a sense that it is going to be very impacting,” says Dr Geoff Grey, artistic director and chief conductor. “It’s exciting new music by living composers, which is very often not the case in events by large ensembles.”

Dedicated to showcasing the world-renowned ensemble through the finest works available in the large wind ensemble repertoire, Dr Grey carefully curates events to include something fresh and engaging.

Since the Australian Wind Symphony’s inception in 2015, they have delivered more than 80 regional, national, and international premieres to the stage, predominantly from living composers. The inclusion of current composers has been a core element of the ensemble’s philosophy; the relatively modern genre allows for real-time interactions with creators from around the globe.

“I can converse with the composers to gain a broader understanding of their intent and, importantly, share with them that we are performing their work on this continent,” Dr Grey said.

Fulminare! has been created entirely with works of current composers, opening with an Australian premiere as Magen Miller’s Jingo welcomes the audience with hard-driving ostinatos and soaring melodies. Act One features works of haunting beauty with Dana Wilson’s To Set the Darkness Echoing, of dedication with Martyn Hancock’s Remembering a Friend (Hymn for Colin), and of infectious fun with Equus by Eric Whitacre.

The major work of Act Two offers a glimpse into the rich world of Japanese contemporary classical art music with Yasuhide Ito’s powerful Gloriosa (Gururiyoza). The three-movement work pays homage to the conflict and resolution of early Christian practices in Japan during the Edo era.

The finale brings a carnival of colour and character to life with Paul Hart’s enchanting Circus Ring.  The program showcases the range of harmonies and rhythms that only a wind ensemble can capture, in an accessible and entertaining afternoon.

Experience the Australian Wind Symphony in Fulminare! at Llewellyn Hall, ANU, on Saturday 23 September 2.30pm; australianwindsymphony.com.au