News Article

 The Gonzaga University Wind Symphony will perform with the Gonzaga’s Percussion Ensemble at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 15, at the Bing Crosby Theatre. The event is open to the public for $5 a person; (free to GU community w/ID).
 The concert will feature traditional and contemporary works, chosen for their power to communicate a range of emotion. The featured piece will be “Godzilla Eats Las Vegas.” Written by Julliard School graduate Eric Whitacre, “Godzilla Eats Las Vegas” is a multimedia theatrical work that depicts Godzilla battling several Las Vegas cultural icons --  including Elvis, Wayne Newton and Liberace -- in a “Battle of the Century” between late-20th century pop culture icons. The wind ensemble also will perform Paul Hart’s “Cartoon” and Frank Tichelli’s “Nitro,” among other works.
The Wind Symphony, Gonzaga’s ensemble for woodwind, brass and percussion students, is led by conductor Robert Spittal. Spittal, who earned a doctorate in music from the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, is an associate professor at Gonzaga and prolific composer. His works have been performed by some of the finest ensembles in the United States and abroad. In addition to conducting the Wind Symphony and Chamber Winds Ensemble, Spittal leads the prestigious Clarion Brass Ensemble.
For more information, contact the GU music department at (509) 323-6733 or visit its Web site.