DATE: November 18 2007, 3 PM

SITE: The Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts 

PROGRAM

• Mongo Santamaria, arr. V. Coleman: Afro Blue
• Narong Prangcharoen: Shadow
• Josef Bohuslav Foerster: Quintet in D Major, Op. 95
• Cesar Franck: Scherzo
• Karel Husa: Five Poems
• Piazzolla arr. Jeff Scott: Escualo

Since its inception in 1997, the Grammy-nominated Imani Winds, comprised of five unabashedly adventurous yet delightfully accessible musicians, has been enriching the traditional wind quintet repertoire with European, African, Latin American and American music traditions. Just as the name Imani denotes in Swahili (faith), the ensemble closely follows its mission over nearly a decade, carving out a distinct presence in the classical music world for their dynamic playing, culturally poignant programming and inspirational outreach programs, which they have brought to many communities throughout the country.

The 2006-07 season carried on the success of the multi-media Josephine Baker - A Life of Le Jazz Hot with a national tour of New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Monterey, as well as cities in Maryland and Florida. In addition, the Ensemble maintains a heavy concert and residency schedule, which brings them to Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, Washington D.C., Houston, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Santa Fe, among others.

Looking ahead, Imani Winds celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2008 with an ambitious commissioning initiative aptly entitled the Legacy Commissioning Project, to extend over five years and to include 10 composers from different musical disciplines.

Artist Website: www.imaniwinds.com