University of Kansas Wind Ensemble releases new album ‘Midnight Sun’

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Music has announced the release of the KU Wind Ensemble’s newest album, “Midnight Sun,” recorded in spring 2024 at the Lied Center of Kansas and now available across all major streaming platforms. 

“Midnight Sun” features six premiere commercial recordings highlighting a dynamic range of modern wind repertoire:

Album track listing for “Midnight Sun” (Klavier)

1. "Majestic" — James Barnes (3:10)
2. "Colors of the Midnight Sun" — Isabella Morrill (6:45)
3. "Deciduous" — Viet Cuong (8:05)
4. "Stride" — Kevin Day (6:30)
5. "Colorful Clouds Chasing the Moon" — Yuen-hing (3:35)
6. Concerto for Euphonium — Tom Davoren, featuring Hiram Diaz, euphonium soloist (23:02)

The closing work, Concerto for Euphonium by KU alumnus Tom Davoren, was recently awarded the American Bandmasters Association (ABA) Ostwald Composition Prize, one of the most prestigious honors in the wind ensemble field. The album also features soloist Hiram Diaz, a distinguished member of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band.

“This album is a true celebration of our students’ artistry and creativity,” said Dean Paul Popiel, the conductor for this project. “It not only adds exciting new works to the wind ensemble repertoire, but also reflects the passion and excellence that make our School of Music so special. Thanks to the remarkable guidance of our world-class faculty, these students have achieved professional-level recordings, and we are thrilled to share these premiere performances with audiences everywhere.”