The concert opens with the brilliant Strauss fanfare, made famous as the opening theme for the Stanley Kubrick film 2001: A Space Odyssey. We feature our symphony bass trombonist, Rod Leonard playing Ian Deterling Concerto for Bass Trombone, a colorful new work which fully expresses our orchestra’s amazing talent and diversity. Our grand finale will be a multi-media presentation of Gustav Holst’s groundbreaking work, The Planets, with Schreiner University’s own Kim Arvidsson, associate professor of physics and mathematics, providing projected images and an introduction. This stellar composition closes with music about Neptune, featuring a wordless women’s chorus echoing the music of the spheres. Clap loud—an encore will bring an exciting way to mark our nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

Ian Deterling is a composer whose work explores the intersection of tradition and innovation, resulting in music that is intellectually engaging, emotionally resonant, and artistically distinctive. His compositions span a wide range of instrumentations and styles, reflecting a commitment to both craft and expressive depth. Deterling’s music has been performed nationally and internationally by musicians affiliated with prestigious ensembles including the London Symphony Orchestra, the São Paulo State Symphony, the National Symphony Orchestra of Taiwan, and the San Antonio Symphony. His works and arrangements are also frequently performed by educational and community ensembles around the world, ranging from high school and university groups to regional orchestras and concert bands. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Music from the University of Wisconsin–Superior and a Master of Music in Composition from Stephen F. Austin State University. In addition to his compositional work, Deterling maintains an active interest in vegan cuisine, distance running, and classic horror cinema.

Composing music is like weaving an abstract story or directing a cinematic experience. Each melody and motif serves as a distinct character, while the accompaniments form the diverse settings in which these characters evolve and interact. As a deeply visual composer, I often imagine vivid scenes and landscapes while crafting my music. As the composition unfolds, these melodies and sections connect in my mind to create a coherent, emotional narrative. This concerto embarks on a dark and enchanting journey through mystical realms, culminating in a dazzling virtuosic dance. It invites listeners to explore a world of mystery, magic, and transformation. This concerto began its life originally as a quartet for bass trombone and three percussionists. Darrin Milling (Bass Trombone Principal at São Paulo State Symphony) suggested that the quartet would work as a full concerto for bass trombone and symphonic band The concerto’s subtitle, Quest, pays homage to that original chamber piece, carrying forward its spirit into a grander symphonic landscape.