UT Concert Hall brings you excellent performances that were given at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, spotlighting faculty, guest artist, and graduate student recitals, as well as student ensemble performances. Join local host and producer, Melony Dodson, for this hour-long program, as she transports you to Cox Auditorium and/or the Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall to hear these world class performances. Thursday night at 8pm and Sunday evenings at 7pm.
UT Concert Hall, July 23 and 26, 2026
University of Tennessee Wind Ensemble
Timeless Masterworks
John Zastoupil, conductor
Featuring Student Concerto Competition Winner:
Phing Zher Soe, piano
Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
James R. Cox Auditorium
Alumni Memorial Building
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Program
Vienna Philharmonic Fanfare (1924)
Richard Strauss (1864-1949)
Symphonic Dances, Op. 45 mvt III (1940)
Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)
Transcribed by Lavender
Rhapsody in Blue (1924)
George Gershwin (1898-1937)
Scored by Hunsberger
Phing Zher Soe, piano
Symphony in B-flat (1951)
Paul Hindemith (1895-1963)
⠀⠀I. Moderately fast, with vigor
⠀⠀II. Andantino grazioso
⠀⠀III. Fugue
Program Notes:
It is with great excitement we welcome you to our first concert of the academic year: Timeless Masterworks. This will be an afternoon of extraordinary music spanning a rich tapestry of styles, emotions, and traditions. The University of Tennessee Wind Ensemble is thrilled to present a program celebrating the brilliance of orchestral and wind band repertoire, featuring works by some of the most iconic composers in music history.
We begin with Richard Strauss’ Vienna Philharmonic Fanfare, a majestic and exhilarating work originally composed for the Vienna Philharmonic’s annual ball. This piece sets the tone for the evening with its grandeur and brilliance, showcasing the power and precision of brass and percussion.
Next, we delve into the evocative world of Sergei Rachmaninoff with the third movement of his Symphonic Dances, Op. 45. This movement captures Rachmaninoff’s signature lush harmonies and dramatic intensity, offering a thrilling exploration of rhythm and color.
A highlight of tonight’s program is George Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue, featuring our talented student concerto winner, Phing Zher Soe. This timeless masterpiece blends classical form with jazz influences, creating a uniquely American soundscape. Phing Zher’s artistry at the piano promises to bring this beloved work to life in an unforgettable way.
We conclude our program with Paul Hindemith’s Symphony in B-flat, a cornerstone of wind ensemble literature. Hindemith’s masterful writing for winds combines intricate counterpoint, bold harmonies, and rhythmic vitality, making this symphony a true tour de force for both performers and listeners.
Thank you for joining us - your support means so much to our students!
Soloist Biography:
Phing Zher Soe
Student concerto competition winner, piano
Phing Zher is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he studies under Dr. Chih-Long Hu. Originally from Malaysia, he completed his undergraduate studies in piano performance at Tunghai University in Taichung, Taiwan.
During his undergraduate years, he gained experience in both solo and collaborative performance, opportunities that strengthened his musicianship and confirmed his dedication to the piano. At UT, he continues to build on this foundation through recitals, ensemble work, and masterclasses, seeking to grow as both a performer and communicator of music.
His repertoire spans from the Baroque period to the twentieth century, and he has particular interests in French composers such as Maurice Ravel, whose music he values for its color and atmosphere. For him, performing is not only a chance to interpret the notes on the page but also a way to connect with listeners and create a shared experience.
In addition to his work as a performer, Phing Zher is also interested in teaching. He enjoys working with students of different ages and backgrounds, encouraging them to approach music as both a discipline and a source of creativity and joy.
As he continues his graduate studies at the University of Tennessee, Phing Zher looks forward to further developing his artistry, exploring diverse repertoire, and sharing the expressive power of music with audiences in Knoxville and beyond.