Concert Winds' 'South of the Border' concert is Jan. 17

The West Michigan Concert Winds continue their 25th Silver Anniversary Season with a pair of "South of the Border" concerts.

Puerto Rican-born tenor Carlos Seise will be featured as a guest performer for both concerts. The first concert will be on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the area's newest theatre, the Dogwood Center for the Performing Arts in Fremont. Following that, the WINDS will perform the same concert again on Sunday, Jan. 18 at 4 p.m. at the Mona Shores High School Theater, located on Seminole Road in Muskegon west of Henry Street.

The West Michigan Concert Winds have been lauded by clinicians as the finest band at the Red Cedar Community Band Festival and have performed throughout Michigan as well as in England, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.

The program features music of Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean, including "La Fiesta Mexicana," the masterpiece by noted Michigan State University Professor/Composer H. Owen Reed. In addition, the Winds will perform such favorites as "La Boda de Luis Alonso" by G. Gimenez; "Espana Cani for 3 Trumpets," "La Bamba De Vera Cruz," and New Mexico March" by John Philip Sousa. Although "New Mexico March" begins in a customary Sousa march style, it launches into a musical history of New Mexico with the music of Native Americans, the cavalry and Mexicans and concludes with a happy fusion of these diverse styles.

Carlos Seise won the Tenor Prize in the Metropolitan Opera House in 1987. He made his professional debut in 1989, singing Rodolfo in the opera "La Boheme" of Giacomo Puccini, which would become one of his signature roles. At the age of 21 he began studying at the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico and continued his study under Payton Hibbit and Carmelo Savoca, also the teacher of the great Spanish tenor Placido Domingo.

His pure, clear warm tenor voice and ebullient stage personality have thrilled audiences worldwide. Seise has share the stage with Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavorotti, Eva Marton, Veronica Villoroel, and many other distinguished singers, and his generosity of spirit is amply demonstrated b his efforts to help raise money for different charity programs around the world.

"It is such an honor to be the WINDS' conductor in this our 25th Season," said director Gail Brechting. "This fine ensemble has continued to grow musically and has had the priviledge to share the stage with many of West Michigan and the country's finest soloists. This will only continue this exciting season with Puerto Rican tenor Carlos Seise in January, and culminating with the grand premier of a commissioned work at our 25th Anniversary celebration in April of 2004.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for seniors and students and can be purchased through any Tickets Plus Outlet or at the door. Children under 16 receive free admission.

The $7 million Dogwood Center opened in July of 2002 includes a 400-seat state-of-the-art theater. .

The 80-member West Michigan Concert WINDS is a concert band composed of top musicians from the West Michigan area, including Muskegon Community College students who can take the class for credit.