New Compositions to Premiere Nov. 15 with Soloists and Wind Symphony

A new musical work composed for baritone John Koch of Illinois State University’s School of Music, will have its premiere in a Wind Symphony concert at 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, in the Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall.

“The Banner of My Purpose” by composer Daren Hagen is based on a famous letter by Civil War Major Sullivan Ballou to his wife in July 1861, one week before he was killed at the First Battle of Bull Run in Manassas, Va.  His letter, which was prominently featured in Ken Burns’ PBS documentary, “The Civil War,” reflects the passion Ballou felt for his wife and family but also his devoted support of Abraham Lincoln and preserving the Union.

…is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country?

Admission to the concert, which will be conducted by director of bands Stephen Steele, is $6 for the general public, $5 for faculty-staff and $4 for students and senior citizens.  Children 6 and under are admitted free.  “The Banner of My Purpose” will be presented with set and costume. 

The Wind Symphony program, which is part of the School of Music Gold Series, also will feature a new trombone concerto written by David Maslanka for Steve Parsons, acting director of the School of Music.