A newly re-commissioned piece, Klezmer Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra by the Department of Music's Brian S. Wilson was performed by clarinetist Nick Driscoll and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic on Dec 15-16, 2018. The concerts took place in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre under the baton of NEPA Music Director Melisse Brunet.
Wilson’s Klezmer Concerto for Clarinet and Wind Orchestra was originally commissioned in 2012 by the Hartwick College Wind Ensemble and premiered by that group with clarinet soloist Robin Seletsky of The Big Galut(e) klezmer ensemble. The work, which includes both traditional and original melodies, has enjoyed tremendous popularity and in 2018 Wilson was commissioned by NEPA to create a version for orchestra.
Wilson has taught at Sonoma State since 2001, serving as department chair from 2005-2018. He currently teaches music theory and composition and conducts the Brass Ensemble. He has served as director of the Jewish Studies Program and is faculty advisor to Hillel of Sonoma. Active as a composer and conductor, Wilson studied at the University of Arizona (DMA), University of Chicago (MM) and New England Conservatory (BM). Wilson’s music is available from G. Meredith Publications/sheetmusicplus, ITA Press, IHS Press and G. Schirmer Publications.