The Hill Country Community Band, directed by Dr. Manuel Arambula, will present a crowd-pleasing concert inspired by Roma culture on February 22. Called “Gypsy Dances,” the band will perform “Waltz No. 2” by Dmitri Shostakovich, a piece known for its light, humorous and appealing classical style with jazz-like elements. Its recognizable melody was made famous by its use in films like Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut,” and has remained a favorite for both performers and audiences.
Also presented will be the four bright and colorful gypsy dances of “Puszta” by Jan Van der Roost. The Puszta is the name of a vast prairie in Hungary where gypsies often roamed with their wild horses that was the original home of the Lipizzaner stallions. It describes the temperamental, melancholic and flamboyant moods of the nomadic gypsies of Eastern Hungary.
“Trittico,” is a three-part work by Vaclav Nelgybel. The first and third movements are brilliantly forward-moving and energetic, while the second movement presents a strong contrast with expressive woodwind solos, punctuated by low brass and percussion.
Completing the program will be “Finale from Symphony No. 1,” by Vasily Kalinnikov, and “Entry of the Boyars, by Johan Halvorsenn.
The concert takes place at 4 p.m. at the Wimberley First Baptist Church, 15951 Winters Mill Parkway. The concert is free and family-friendly.
