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BISMARCK, ND – The University of Mary Concert Band is set to take the stage for its annual Spring Concert titled, Sweet Suites, on Sunday, March 16, at 3 p.m., in Lumen Vitae University Center’s Founders Hall, on campus. This longstanding tradition showcases the exceptional talent of student musicians under the direction of Professor Dennis Gowen, who’s been a fixture of University of Mary’s band program since 1987. 

“We are thrilled to present Sweet Suites this spring,” said Gowen, professor of music and director of bands and high brass at Mary. “This performance will offer a wonderful taste of some of our finest musical treasures.”

The concert opens with the “Overture from Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks,” a powerful and celebratory work that marks its 275th anniversary this year. 

From there, the program takes audiences on a musical journey across Europe, beginning with the spirited Hobbitsmovement from Dutch composer Johan de Meij’s “Symphony No. 1: Lord of the Rings.” The performance then moves south to Belgium for Jan Van der Roost’s “Puszta,” a four-movement suite brimming with the infectious energy of Hungarian-style dances.

“O�ܰ�&�Բ�����;Sweet Suites tour travels back to America with a sampling of Robert Russell Bennett’s jazz-inspired ‘Suite of Old American Dances,’” said Gowen. “This vibrant and nostalgic work is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.”

The concert concludes with “Slavonic Dance Op. 46, No. 8,” the final movement from Antonín Dvořák’s famous suite of eight Slavonic dances, first composed in 1878 and beloved for its rich folk melodies and exhilarating rhythms.

“This magnificent collection of suites has been a joy for our students to prepare, and they are eager to share it with our wonderful regional audience,” added Gowen.

The University of Mary Spring Band Concert is free and open to the public. Music lovers of all ages are invited to experience an afternoon of dynamic and diverse repertoire performed by one of the region’s premier collegiate ensembles.

Anyone who wishes to learn more about the University of Mary can do so at  or  online.umary.edu, or by contacting an admissions representative at enroll@umary.edu, or by calling (701) 355-8030. The University of Mary is one of only 15 Recommended Cardinal Newman Society Residential Colleges and universities in the US. 

SWAG��Ƶ the University of Mary: True to its motto “lumen vitae”—The Light of Life—the University of Mary offers education for the whole of life through cutting-edge professional programs and graduate programs animated by moral courage and leadership in chosen professions and service to the community. A private, co-educational Catholic institution, the University of Mary welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds.

A Christian, Catholic, Benedictine institution founded in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, Mary offers over 60 bachelor’s, 15 master’s, and five doctoral programs—in Business Administration, Education, Nursing Practice, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. The 19-sport Athletic Department adheres to its Greatness Through Virtue mission under the governance of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) conferences. With more than 3,800 students, Mary has locations in North Dakota, Montana, Arizona, Rome, Italy, as well as vibrant online offerings. 

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