Simpson University Professor to Premiere Second Symphony
For Immediate Release
10.22.2012
REDDING, Calif. - Award-winning composer and Simpson University music professor Dan Pinkston will premiere his second symphony on Sunday, Oct. 28, during a Shasta Symphony Orchestra concert.
Pinkston’s first symphony, “Symphony No. 1,” premiered in November 2010 at North State Symphony concerts in Chico and Redding. Conductor Kyle Wiley Pickett said at the time, “Dan’s music is beautiful, interesting, dramatic and very accessible.”
Pinkston composed “Symphony No. 2” during the summer of 2012 to commemorate Redding’s founding in 1887. The piece consists of three movements, played without pause. It also includes some interesting musical quotations, including folk song, Gregorian chant and popular song.
“Symphony No. 2’s general style reflects the symphonic tradition as found in the music of composers such as Shostakovich and Stravinsky,” said Pinkston, professor of theory and composition at Simpson. “At the same time, its eclectic and seamless move between various styles reflects a thoroughly 21st century approach to musical composition. A balance is struck between honoring the great symphonies of the past, while forging forward with new musical ideas and expressive devices.”
In addition, the piece’s drama and intensity are intended to reflect Redding’s ruggedly beautiful landscape.
"Pinkston's ‘Symphony No. 2’ has a dramatic and joyous rhythmic quality that alternates with Romantic warmth and intense drama,” said Dwayne Corbin, director and conductor of the Shasta Symphony Orchestra. “It simultaneously speaks to the classical and contemporary music-lover within myself."
Pinkston, who has taught at Simpson since 2001, has won many composition awards and had music published by Warner Bros. and other organizations. He and his wife, Lori, have two daughters.
The Shasta Symphony Orchestra is a cooperative ensemble between Shasta College and Simpson University. Corbin is associate professor of instrumental music at Simpson University.
Learn more about the Oct. 28 concert.
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Simpson University is a Christian university offering undergraduate, graduate and teaching credential programs. Simpson's academic programs include ASPIRE, a degree-completion program geared toward working adults in the north state. Simpson's recent curriculum expansion includes degrees in biology, nursing, outdoor leadership, and a master's degree in counseling psychology. For more information about the university, or to arrange a personalized visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit simpsonu.edu.
Contact: SU Public Relations
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