UIW to Host Poulenc Music Festival

The UIW Department of Music will host the Poulenc Music Festival this December. This first-time event will be a celebration of the music of Francis Poulenc, French composer and pianist (1899-1963). In his career, Poulenc made important contributions to French music following WWI. His works, which include art songs, chamber music, choral pieces, operas, solo piano works, ballets and orchestral concert music, are still widely regarded as some of the best compositions of the 20^th century (Brittanica, 2024).

William Gokelman, professor in the Department of Music, and the University's music students, have been preparing for this event for months now, excited to take guests on a musical exploration of the harmonious career of Poulenc.

The two-day festival will feature performances of some of Poulenc's most famous works, including the final scene from the opera Dialogues of the Carmelites and the 1959 Gloria, a work for soprano, choir and orchestra.

Attendees will have two opportunities to be a part of this event. "A Poulenc Sampler" will be performed by the department on Saturday, Dec. 7 in the Chapel of the Incarnate Word, where attendees are welcomed to hear several of Poulenc's works in smaller forms. The San Antonio community is also invited back on Sunday, Dec. 8 to enjoy Poulenc's larger works in the Diane Bennack Concert Hall.

"Day one will focus on wind and piano sonatas, chamber music, art songs, and the Christmas Motets, and day 2 will feature the violin sonata, piano concerto, "Salve Regina" from Dialogues of the Carmelites and the Gloria," shared Gokelman. "Come enjoy a weekend of truly wonderful music!"

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