University of Mary Concert Band Presents Fall Showcase Featuring Guest Horn Soloist Andrew Karr

Free community concert highlights works from Bach to Bizet, including Mozart's Horn Concerto No. 3

BISMARCK, N.D. - The University of Mary Concert Band invites the public to its annual fall concert on Sunday, November 2, at 3 p.m. in Founders Hall of the Lumen Vitae University Center on the University of Mary campus. The event is free and open to the public.

Under the direction of Professor Dennis Gowen, director of Bands and High Brass at the University of Mary, the performance marks the band's first major home concert of the 2025-26 season, following a successful fall tour through South Dakota.

"Our first home concert of the 2025-'26 year will take place following our fall tour to South Dakota," Gowen said. "We can't wait to share our love of music with our wonderful home audience."

The program spans centuries and styles, showcasing the versatility of the 50-member ensemble with a selection of works from Bach to Bizet, and from Mozart to Nowlin.

The concert opens with "Réjouissance" by Andrew Yozviak, an energetic and uplifting fanfare that sets the tone for the afternoon. Other featured selections include "Impression" by Ryan Nowlin-conductor of the President's Own United States Marine Band-and "Mouvement Frénétique" by Canadian composer Jonathan Dagenais.

A highlight of the performance will be the guest appearance of Andrew Karr, Acting Principal Horn of the Florida Orchestra. A Boston native, Karr studied under the renowned Barry Tuckwell and Myron Bloom and has performed as a soloist and orchestral musician across the United States, as well as in Shanghai, Moldova, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

"We are so excited to invite Andrew Karr as our special guest artist this fall," Gowen said. "Andrew is a captivating, engaging soloist who brings a world-class artistry to every performance."

Karr will perform Mozart's Horn Concerto No. 3, one of the composer's most beloved and virtuosic works for the instrument. "We can't wait to feature Andrew's artistry alongside our wonderful University of Mary Concert Band members," Gowen added.

The program concludes with "Florentiner March" by Julius Fučik-a grand, ceremonial piece often called the "Austrian March King's masterpiece"-and "Farandole" by Georges Bizet, a lively and triumphant finale drawn from the composer's L'Arlésienne Suite No. 2.

The University of Mary Concert Band's fall showcase promises an afternoon of exceptional musicianship and community celebration.

The University of Mary Concert Band is one of over 20 music ensembles on campus, offering students meaningful opportunities to perform music during their time at Mary.

WHAT: University of Mary Concert Band Fall Concert

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 - 3 p.m.

WHERE: Founders Hall, Lumen Vitae University Center, University of Mary campus

COST: Free and open to the public

Anyone who wishes to learn more about the University of Mary can do so at https://www.umary.edu or online.umary.edu, or by contacting an admissions representative at [email protected], or by calling (701) 355-8030. The University of Mary is one of only 20 recommended Cardinal Newman Society Residential Colleges and Universities in the US.

About 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 nearly 60 bachelor's, 15 master's, and five doctoral programs-in Business Administration, Education, Nursing Practice, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy. The 20-sport Athletic Department adheres to its Greatness Through Virtue mission under the governance of 18 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sanctioned sports, one men's hockey team that is a member of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), and a co-ed clay shooting team that competes in the USA College Clay Target League. With more than 3,900 students, Mary has locations in North Dakota, Montana, Arizona, Rome, Italy, as well as vibrant online offerings.