Acclaimed Composer's Newest Work to Premiere at Schroeder Concert

Accomplished composer, performer, and musician Adrian Gordon came to Webster CSD to help prepare for the world premiere of his newly commissioned work, “A Touch of Humanity.”

The premiere concert will take place Tuesday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder High School Auditorium, 875 Ridge Road, Webster, and feature the combined Webster Schroeder Wind Ensemble and Philharmonic Orchestra performing the new composition.

Gordon, a Charlotte, NC resident, is celebrated for his colorful and captivating compositions, which span levels from easy to advanced. His catalog includes acclaimed works for string orchestra, such as “Apocalypse” and “Song of the Ocean Winds.”

The opportunity for Webster Schroeder to host this world premiere began with a collaboration between Webster Schroeder High School teachers Brittany Cole and Tim Isham, and the Eastman School of Music’s Lisa Caravan and Alden Snell, II, Ph.D.

Mr. Gordon was commissioned to create “A Touch of Humanity” through the prestigious Howard Hanson Institute. Webster Schroeder was offered the opportunity to perform the piece’s world premiere due to the strong relationship the high school music department maintains with the Eastman School of Music, frequently hosting student teachers from the institution.

“We were happy to have this opportunity to work directly with the composer on his brand new piece,” said teachers Cole and Isham.

In October, Mr. Gordon shared “A Touch of Humanity” with the faculty to begin preparation. As part of his residency, Mr. Gordon visited Webster Schroeder to lead an in-person rehearsal on November 7  in the school auditorium with the Warrior’s combined wind ensemble and philharmonic orchestra, providing students with invaluable experience working directly with a professional composer on a major new work.

The December 10 concert is free and open to the public, offering the community a chance to experience a major musical event and support the incredible achievements of the Webster Schroeder music program.