CARMINA BURANA

Winds of the Mountain Empire

Sunday, July 26th, 2026

4:00 PM

Union High School Auditorium

2 Champions Ave, Big Stone Gap, VA

Free admission!

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Winds of the Mountain Empire will celebrate its 20th anniversary performance with a free concert on Sunday, July 26, at 4:00 p.m. in the auditorium of Union High School in Big Stone Gap, Virginia.

 

Founded in 2006, Winds of the Mountain Empire has brought together musicians from throughout Southwest Virginia, Northeast Tennessee, Southeast Kentucky, and beyond for two decades of high-quality wind band performances.

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This year’s anniversary concert will feature a powerful and celebratory program, including The Star-Spangled Banner, arranged by John Williams; March from Symphonic Metamorphosis by Paul Hindemith; Meridian by Ola Gjeilo, featuring UVA Wise Associate Professor of Music and pianist Peter Ryan; the world premiere of Above the Mountains by UVA Wise music major Joshua Cunningham and Regalia: A Ceremonial Overture by Donald W. Sorah; and the cornerstone work of the program, Carl Orff’s dramatic and iconic Carmina Burana.

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“This concert is a special moment for Winds of the Mountain Empire,” said Donald Sorah, founder and conductor of the ensemble. “For twenty years, this group has brought together outstanding musicians who believe in the value of community, artistry, education, and service. We are proud to continue offering free concerts to our audiences while also providing professional development for educators and championing new musical works, especially those created by composers from our region.”​​

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The concert is made possible with the generous support of The Slemp Foundation and the Pro-Art Association, whose support helps Winds of the Mountain Empire continue offering free, high-quality performances to audiences throughout the region.

 

The 20th anniversary performance of Winds of the Mountain Empire will take place on Sunday, July 26, at 4:00 p.m. in the auditorium of Union High School in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. Admission is free, and the public is warmly invited to attend.

 

For more information, contact:

Donald W. Sorah

Founder and Conductor, Winds of the Mountain Empire

314 Oakwood Ave SE

Wise, VA 24293

windsme@comcast.net

276.393.2426