Ithaca College's 30th annual Commencement Eve Concert, "Around the World in 50 Minutes," was held on Saturday, May 17, in the Ben Light gymnasium. The concert featured a performance of Charles A. Dana Professor of Music Dana Wilson's Wailin', a piece commissioned in honor of President James J. Whalen.
Wilson directed the concert for the 10th consecutive year. The program included performances by a variety of Ithaca College ensembles as well as vocalists, and employed Wilson's "surround sound" concept, which means a good seat anywhere in the audience. Ensembles are positioned around the gymnasium, and when one group finishes, another begins, creating a continuous performance that originates from various directions. Zooming from one ensemble to the next, "surround sound" makes it possible to present a broad spectrum of offerings from different groups associated with the School of Music. Wilson describes it as "a very exciting environment, musically, emotionally, and energy-wise," where "everyone has a chance to feel close to the music."
The concert program featured the vocalists plus performances by the Ithaca College Brass Choir, Choir, Symphony Orchestra, Marimba Band, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and Women's Chorale. Selections included "Festive Flourish" by Miklos Rosza, "The Lonely Shrub," by Antonio Estevez, "The Pines of Rome" by Ottorino Respighi, "Rajah" by George Hamlton Green, "African Celebration" by Stephen Hatfield, and "Spain" by Chick Corea and Joaquin Rodrigo.