UMD Wind Orchestra Plays Hindemith
The UMD Wind Orchestra, under music director Michael Votta, Jr., presents an evening celebrating the centennial of Paul Hindemith’s groundbreaking first work for wind band, *Konzertmusik für Blasorchester*. Composed in 1926 and premiered at the Donaueschingen Festival, the piece reflects Hindemith’s commitment to New Objectivity, a movement that favored direct public engagement and rejected romantic idealism. Though written with amateur players in mind, the work is intricate and draws on German folk songs and military marches, animated by Hindemith’s characteristically inventive melodies and rhythmic drive. The concert also includes Hindemith’s *Kammermusik* No. 1, the first in his set of eight chamber works from the 1920s, alongside Florent Schmitt’s *Dionysiaques*, a vivid, exuberant piece inspired by ancient Greek festivals in honor of the god of wine and dance.
The performance takes place in the Dekelboum Concert Hall at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center and is offered free of charge with no tickets required. The UMD Wind Orchestra is recognized as a leader among collegiate wind ensembles, particularly for its work in premiering new compositions, and this program pairs that contemporary focus with landmark twentieth-century wind repertoire.
When: Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 8:00 pm.
Showtimes: One performance only, at 8:00 pm on the event date.
Tickets: Free; no tickets required. Seating is reserved.
Venue: Dekelboum Concert Hall, The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center.
Program: Paul Hindemith’s *Kammermusik* No. 1, Paul Hindemith’s *Konzertmusik für Blasorchester*, and Florent Schmitt’s *Dionysiaques*.
Lineup: UMD Wind Orchestra, conducted by Michael Votta, Jr., music director.
Accessibility: The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center offers wheelchair-accessible seating, size-inclusive seating, large-print programs, assisted listening devices, adult and child-friendly sensory packs, and quiet spaces for all events. ASL interpretation, audio description, and captioning are available for select events or by patron request at least six weeks in advance.
Note: The event will be available via livestream.