Hail the Champions

Commissioned for the University of Akron Symphonic Band, this dynamic work celebrates 100 years of music composed for the Olympic Games. Based on three primary themes, the first is a brilliant fanfare that serves as an introduction as well as a unifying link throughout. Second is the 1896 Olympic Hymn (music by Spyros Samaras) set in a beautiful lyric style which builds to a magnificent climax juxtaposed with the opening fanfare. The final section presents a new version of Mr. Curnow's own Olympic Fanfare and Theme for the Olympic Flag which was commissioned for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and performed again in 2000. The dramatic closing is again combined with elements of the opening fanfare. Dur: c. 6:40 (Recorded by the University of Akron Symphony Band - Dr. Galen S. Karriker, Director of Bands. Premiere performance conducted by James Curnow)