Storyteller: Music That Speaks in Narrative

Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 7:30 PM | King Center: 855 Lawrence Way, Denver, CO 80204

Music has always been one of humanity’s oldest storytelling tools—long before the written word, stories were passed down through song, rhythm, and sound. Storyteller explores that tradition through a program of works that reflect journeys of light and darkness, ritual and reflection, struggle and triumph. Each piece on the program offers its own distinct narrative voice, inviting listeners to experience music not just as sound, but as story.

Overture to Light Cavalry – Franz von Suppé, arr. Frederick Fennell / Godfrey

Originally written for an operetta, Light Cavalry is full of wit, energy, and theatrical flair. The famous galloping finale evokes images of movement and momentum, setting the stage for a concert driven by storytelling and dramatic contrast. In this wind band arrangement, the sparkle and vitality of Suppé’s writing shine through with clarity and brilliance.

Incantation and Dance – John Barnes Chance

Incantation and Dance draws inspiration from imagined ritual and ceremony. The opening “incantation” unfolds with a sense of mystery and reverence, building tension through layered textures and modal harmonies. This atmosphere gives way to the driving, rhythmically charged “dance,” a powerful release of energy that feels both ancient and celebratory. The piece tells a story without words, rooted in primal rhythm and communal expression.

Give Us This Day – David Maslanka

David Maslanka’s Give Us This Day is a deeply personal and spiritual work, reflecting themes of renewal, gratitude, and perseverance. Drawing on hymn-like material and moments of intense emotional weight, the piece moves through darkness toward light, ultimately arriving at a place of affirmation and strength.

The Light Within – Alan Stein

As its title suggests, The Light Within focuses on inner strength and quiet hope. Alan Stein’s writing emphasizes warmth, lyricism, and transparency of sound, allowing melodies to emerge gently and organically. The piece serves as a moment of reflection in the program—a reminder that light is not always external or dramatic, but often found within ourselves, even in moments of uncertainty.

Wayfaring Stranger – arr. Christopher Nelson

This well-known American folk song tells the story of a traveler moving through hardship with faith and determination. In Christopher Nelson’s expressive arrangement, Wayfaring Stranger becomes an intimate and soulful meditation. Sparse textures and haunting harmonies highlight the song’s themes of longing, endurance, and the hope of rest beyond the journey. It is a quiet but powerful narrative that speaks to universal human experience.

J’ai été au bal – Donald Grantham

J’ai été au bal (“I Went to the Dance”) is inspired by traditional Cajun dance tunes and captures the joy, community, and rhythmic vitality of a Louisiana bal de maison. Grantham’s inventive orchestration and infectious energy bring the concert to an exuberant close, reminding us that storytelling in music can be playful, communal, and full of life.

🎟️ Join Us!
Join the Colorado Wind Ensemble for an evening where music speaks, journeys unfold, and every work has something to say.
🗓️ Saturday, February 7, 2026
🕢 7:30 PM
📍 King Center Concert Hall, Denver