The University Band of Concordia University Chicago will open its fall season with a concert on Friday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. in the University’s Chapel of Our Lord. Admission is free.

The band’s first concert of the academic year will begin with the Star Wars trilogy’s “The Imperial March” by John Williams and arranged by Donald Hunsberger. 

Other works on the program include “October” by Eric Whitacre, “Boomba” by Michael Barry, “Be Thou My Vision” by David Gillingham, “First Suite in E-flat” by Gustav Holst, “Wayfaring Stranger” by Christopher Nelson, and “Aurora Borealis” by Rossano Galante.

Meg Busse, Concordia-Chicago’s senior director of advancement operations, adjunct faculty member, and accomplished oboist, will provide commentary throughout the evening.

The University Band is an ensemble of approximately 70 players, open to Concordia-Chicago students, staff, and faculty, as well as anyone in the Chicago metropolitan area high school age and older. Conductor Dr. Richard Fischer, distinguished professor of music and the Fred and Jane Wittlinger Endowed Chair for Music Performance, founded the ensemble in 1993 and is now celebrating his 52nd year at Concordia-Chicago. This fall marks the final semester before Dr. Fischer retires from full-time work, though he will continue conducting the University Band. In addition to his work at Concordia-Chicago, he is internationally recognized and frequently engaged as a guest conductor, clinician, presenter, and adjudicator.

Concordia-Chicago’s campus is located at 7400 Augusta St., River Forest, IL. Free off-street parking is available in the University’s parking structure, south of Division Street on Bonnie Brae Place. ADA-accessible parking is available in the visitors’ lot adjacent to the north side of the University parking structure.

For more information, visit CUChicago.edu/music or call 708-209-3060.