Wheaton Municipal Band welcomes opera star William Powers

The Wheaton Municipal Band presents its seventh concert of the 2026 season on Thursday, July 23, at 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Park in downtown Wheaton.

In keeping with the 250th anniversary celebration of the United States, the band presents “Fanfare 250” by Noah Taylor. This piece is dedicated to the men and woman of the United States Army. The driving rhythms, brass fanfares and woodwind runs makes it a perfect fanfare to begin the program.

Another work on the program is “Flag of Stars” by Gordon Jacobs. This symphonic overture quotes various patriotic tunes in a not-so-subtle way. When you are listening, see how many you catch.

Also, on the program is “Elizabethan Suite” by David Morrison. The sounds of the golden age of Queen Elizabeth adorn this work. The Queen championed arts and the music. The music expresses the distinct sounds of the era, switching from sacred to secular, from Chaconne to Gigue. It’s a unique sound for the concert band and challenges the musicians in the art of subtlety. Of course, marches round out the program.

When you think of the Wheaton Municipal Band, you would not think opera. Well, maybe a transcription or two, but not an opera soloist.

Bruce Moss, the band’s music director, is stretching the envelope by bringing in William Powers, bass-baritone star, who has performed the leading roles in major opera theaters across the world. Powers’ performances are noted for their dramatic intensity, vocal color, and character development.

Powers will perform music of George M. Cohan, “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary,” and “The Men in the Arena” by Ronald William Hill.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to meld opera and a concert band at the Wheaton Municipal Band Concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23, in Memorial Park in downtown Wheaton. Bring a lawn chair, pack dinner and enjoy the concert. For more information, go to wheatonmunicipalband.org.