DEF Project Summer Concert

Mesa Community College Performing Arts & Production Presents: Desert Echoes Flute Project - Summer Concert

July 24 at 7:30 pm - PAC

Celebrate origins with the flute choirs of Desert Echoes Flute Project. The DEF Community Flute Choir is in its 10th year and performs works commemorating the origins of the colonies in what became the United States of America opening the concert with A New Beginning by Phyllis Louke, a programmatic piece with descriptive aspects of the history of Jamestown founded in 1607, and the Mayflower Suite by Catherine McMichael inspired by the history the Boston area consisting of three separate movements: I. Plimoth Landing, II. The Pilgrims, and III. 1620

DEFproject is celebrating its 20th anniversary! The group’s first stand-alone flute choir concert was in July of 2006 and the members voted on the name Desert Echoes Flute Project in the fall of that year. This original group is known as DEFproject and since that summer 20 years ago, the DEFP program has grown to include the two large flutes choirs, a chamber choir, an occasional low flute choir, and educational offerings in conjunction with the MCC Music Department. This group was selected by blind audition to play the Friday Pre-Gala concert this August at the National Flute Association Convention in Portland where flutists from around the world gather together for this annual event held in different location throughout the U.S. They are presenting that program on this concert: Journey from Other Sun, a wonderfully energetic piece with irresistible momentum, vibrant textures, and bouncy rhythms by Nancy Galbraith. Agnus D.E.I. by Adrian Dee is a hymn-like composition utilizing an entire section of uncommon and delightful Eb soprano flutes. Benjamin Novotny has arranged a stunning version of the ebullient and optimistic D’un matin de printemps (Of a spring morning) by Lili Boulanger for flute choir. It was initially a work for violin and piano, then a trio adding cello, followed by the duet for flute and piano. Less than a year later Boulanger wrote the orchestral version. It was the last orchestral work she composed before her death at 24 in 1918 and beautifully explores color and harmony. The gorgeous and deeply meaningful piece, Only When It Is Dark Enough Can You See the Stars by Zachery S. Meier was premiered in 2025 and closes this program with hope and optimism.