Simpson University Professor’s Composition to Debut at Shasta Symphony Orchestra Whiskeytown Concert
For Immediate Release
07.22.2016
REDDING, Calif. - A special sunset lake concert by the Shasta Symphony Orchestra will feature an orchestral piece composed by Simpson University music professor Dan Pinkston.
“Symphony at the Beach” returns for a second year Aug. 20 to the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. The Shasta Symphony Orchestra, directed by Dr. Dwayne Corbin, also a Simpson University music professor, will perform Dr. Pinkston’s piece and other works at the free 8 p.m. show at Brandy Creek Beach.
The concert, which includes food and drink vendors, will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.
In August 2015, the Shasta Symphony Orchestra performed under the stars for Whiskeytown’s 50th anniversary celebration. This year’s concert will again feature a mix of film scores, patriotic music, and light classical musical.
“Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is honored to have the Shasta Symphony return this year to celebrate the Centennial of the National Park Service,” Park Superintendent Jim Milestone said. “The unique setting of having the symphony playing on the beach with the floating candle luminaries drifting across the Brandy Creek lagoon makes this a memorable event for family and friends.”
Dr. Pinkston’s composition, “In This Great Expanse,” was inspired by Northern California’s natural beauty.
“This year I have spent a great deal of time at both Whiskeytown and Lassen National Parks, and found them refreshing and inspiring,” he said. “The composition is a short, optimistic piece, almost like an overture, designed to set a mood of celebration and wonder.”
An award-winning composer, Dr. Pinkston has written two original symphonies premiered by the North State Symphony and Shasta Symphony Orchestra.
Dr. Corbin has directed the Shasta Symphony Orchestra—a cooperative ensemble featuring Shasta College and Simpson University musicians—since its inception in 2010.
Photos courtesy Jim Milestone / More than 1,200 people attended the first "Symphony at the Beach" in 2015 in the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.
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Simpson University’s music program offers bachelor’s degrees in composition, performance, and worship, as well as music with a liberal arts emphasis for those interested in teaching. Learn more at simpsonu.edu/music.
Contact: SU Public Relations
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(530) 226-4737
