The University of Toledo

Gunnar Mossblad's Symphonic "Meditations" Premieres in New York

Gunnar Mossblad, University of Toledo Professor of Saxophone and Director of Jazz Studies, will see his latest symphonic work have its world premiere in New York City this week. “Meditations Suite,” a symphonic version of John Coltrane’s landmark recording, “Meditations,” will be performed this Friday, November 5, at the Manhattan School of Music Borden Concert Hall in New York City. The premiere of this work will be performed by the Manhattan School of Music Jazz Philharmonic under the direction of Justin DiCioccio, with renowned jazz masters, Dave Liebman and Randy Brecker serving as soloists. Mossblad will also play soprano sax on movements IV and V.
 
While the original work is Coltrane’s, Mossblad is responsible for the arrangement for orchestra with additional composition. The work has been Mossblad’s passion for nearly a year. “This was a much more extensive project than I ever imagined, not only because it was for a full symphony orchestra plus big band, but because it also offered many challenges musically - both because of the improvisatory nature of the original composition, and my deep spiritual respect for the music.”
 
Mossblad is active as a saxophonist, composer/arranger, and educator in both the European classical and American jazz idioms. He earned a B.M. in Jazz Studies and an M.M. in Saxophone Performance from the University of North Texas. He is presently the Director of Jazz Studies at The University of Toledo and serves as the Professor of Saxophone. He was formerly the Professor of Saxophone and Coordinator of Jazz Studies at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, from 1982-1999, and West Chester University of Pennsylvania 1999-2002.
 
When Mossblad is not performing or teaching he composes music for a wide variety of musical situations. To date he has composed more than 75 original jazz compositions in addition to numerous classical pieces and arrangements for various solo, chamber, and large ensembles. His pedagogical materials for saxophone and jazz are published by Houston Publishing, Le Moine Music, and most recently the FJH Music Company.