The School of Music in the College of Liberal Arts is excited to announce the release of a new album entitled “Celebrating 150 Years” that brings together the ÁùºÏ±¦µä Chamber Players, ÁùºÏ±¦µä Wind Ensemble and the Chamber and Concert Choirs in honor of the University’s 150th anniversary. Featuring newly commissioned works, the album will be available on all major streaming platforms starting Oct. 10, 2024. This milestone project celebrates the University’s rich heritage and highlights cross-disciplinary collaboration and creativity.
“a dance is a kind of wish,” A thought-provoking Chamber work
The album features “a dance is a kind of wish,” an artistically thought-provoking composition by Chicago-based composer Paul Novak. This piece, written for faculty chamber ensemble, showcases celloist Dmitri Atapine in a performance that masterfully captures Novak’s signature style—delicate, immersive and emotionally layered. Novak describes the work as exploring the duality of dance: the rhythm and motion that evoke joy and excitement, alongside a more introspective sense of nostalgia and longing.
“It’s fun and transformative, leading into the ‘wish’—a reflective, expressive moment of reminiscence,” Novak explains. The intricate interaction between the cello and the ensemble brings these contrasting emotions to life, creating a captivating and contemplative journey for the listener.
The world premiere of "a dance is a kind of wish" took place at the Faculty Artist Concert on Feb. 27, 2024, at Hall Recital Hall, with Novak returning to his Reno roots to celebrate the piece’s debut. Atapine and his colleagues’ performance is poised to be a highlight of the album, offering listeners a deeply moving and exquisitely crafted work that exemplifies the artistry thriving at the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno.
"And The Cities Rise Like Dreams," A powerful reflection of the American West
Steve Danyew’s "And the Cities Rise Like Dreams" is a powerful and reflective piece that culminates in a stirring, triumphant conclusion. This composition joins the ÁùºÏ±¦µä Wind Ensemble and the Chamber and Concert Choirs, weaving together text and music to tell the story of the American West—from the quiet vastness of the landscape to the rise of its cities and the vibrant energy and growth of a thriving region. The collaboration involved multiple stakeholders, such as multiple instrumental and vocal ensembles, and students enrolled in the Music Industry program, who played a crucial role in recording the work, adding a unique educational dimension to the project.
Danyew’s piece, inspired by texts from the University Libraries’ Special Collections, brings together poems by M. Genevieve Williams, Jack Sinclair and Clarence Eddy—voices from ÁùºÏ±¦µä’s past that reflect on the grandeur and beauty of the region. The music mirrors this progression, moving from the quiet stillness of a western night to a rousing, fanfare-like conclusion, symbolizing the growth and success of the state of ÁùºÏ±¦µä and the University, and ends with a finale that leaves listeners uplifted and inspired.
A sentimental conclusion: ÁùºÏ±¦µä's alma mater, "The Mackay Song"
The album also features a traditional rendition of the University’s Alma Mater. Along with the newly commissioned anniversary pieces, our alma mater serves as a reminder of the University’s enduring traditions and the strong bond between its past and present.
"Celebrating 150 Years" is available on all major streaming services starting Oct. 10, 2024 and can be found at .
For more information, visit the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno’s School of Music website.
