CCM Wind Symphony presents Pops "Star Wars" concert on Feb. 17

The CCM Wind Symphony and CCM Youth Wind Ensemble join forces to present an epic pops concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, in Corbett Auditorium. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.

The program features John Williams’ iconic music from the "Star Wars" franchise, faculty artist Michael Chertock on Rhapsody in Blue, and is sure to delight all audience members. Watch an excerpt of the CCM Wind Symphony in rehearsal below.

Named the most memorable score of all time by the American Film Institute, the Academy Award-winning "Star Wars" soundtrack captures the excitement, action and heroism of the classic space saga. “The familiar melodies will transport you to days of childhood, superheroes, and iconic films from your past,” says CCM Director of Wind Studies and Wind Symphony conductor, Kevin Michael Holzman.

The film score isn’t the only epic selection on the program. Audiences will also be treated to two landmark works of the classical repertoire: George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Gustav Holst’s “Jupiter” from The Planets. Combining classical music with jazz idioms, Rhapsody in Blue is an electrifying showcase of a virtuosic pianist. Faculty artist Michael Chertock is the featured soloist, accompanied by the CCM Youth Wind Ensemble. Holst’s “Jupiter” is a stately movement from his beloved orchestral suite, The Planets. Subtitled “the Bringer of Jollity,” the buoyant music of “Jupiter” is familiar to generations of classical music fans.

In addition to these colossal works, the program features Eric Whitacre’s intimate setting of Goodnight Moon, the classic children’s book by Margaret Wise Brown. Featuring Erin Alcorn as the soprano soloist, the tender, gentle music provides a different take on the night sky than Star Wars or “Jupiter.”

With something for everyone, the "Pops: Star Wars" concert is a feast for all music fans.  “You won’t want to miss this special evening,” says Holzman. Tickets for the February 17 concert are available online through the CCM Box Office. 

CCM Wind Symphony
Kevin Michael Holzman, music director and conductor
Featuring the CCM Youth Wind Ensemble
Featuring faculty artist Michael Chertock, piano; and student artist Erin Alcorn, soprano

CCM Youth Wind Ensemble:
GERSHWIN: Rhapsody in Blue

Wind Symphony:
HOLST: “Jupiter” from The Planets 
WHITACRE: Goodnight Moon
WILLIAMS: Symphonic Suite from Star Wars

7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, 2023

Corbett Auditorium, CCM Village
University of Cincinnati

Tickets are $19.50; student and group discounts available. Tickets can be purchased in person at the CCM Box Office, over the telephone at 513-556-4183 or online now through our e-Box Office!

Learn about additional ticket options for current CCM students.

CCM is located on the campus of the University of Cincinnati. For detailed driving directions, visit ccm.uc.edu/directions.

Parking is available in UC's CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus. 

CCM OnStage patrons can add pre-paid parking to their checkout carts when purchasing tickets. Pre-paid parking is date/performance specific. CCM Garage parking rates for a performance or special event is usually available for $10-15. Learn more about parking at UC's CCM Garage.

For additional information on parking at UC, please visit uc.edu/about/parking.