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The spring concert of the Norseman Band, under the direction of Paul Niemisto, will feature music with a focus on the expansive symphonic sonorities possible with a 90-piece ensemble. The program will include Symphony #3 by Italian-American composer Vittorio Giannini, one of the earliest large format compositions for band.

Dutch composer Johann de Meij wrote a symphonic work, Big Apple, reflecting Manhattan's exciting atmosphere. Written several years before Sept. 11, 2001, Big Apple captures the optimism and energy that sustain the city today.

Other pieces on the program demonstrate the flexibility of the modern wind band: organ transcriptions of J.S. Bach, impressions of the world of jazz, and music for the Royal Shakespeare Company of London.

The Norseman Band regularly includes modern pieces for concert band, marches, and traditional repertoire in its program. The band strives for a wide audience, including young listeners.

The Norseman Band is one of two symphonic bands at St. Olaf and has developed a reputation in recent years as a dynamic and exciting concert ensemble. The Norseman Band performs regularly on St. Olaf's Northfield campus and has toured each spring to regional locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Canada.

Ticket information for the concert is available by contacting the music department at Paynesville Area High School at 320-243-3724.