Contemporary Music Festival
Guest Artist Recital with Roger Kalia and members of the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra
Performance featuring THSO musicians
Thursday, October 29, 2026
7:30pm in University Hall Auditorium at Indiana State University
FREE admission
Join us on October 29th at Indiana State University for the 60th Annual Contemporary Music Festival! The Contemporary Music Festival is an annual event dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of contemporary music, supporting the work of emerging American composers, and serving as a cultural resource for the university, and the Terre Haute community. The festival will feature James M. Stephenson; acclaimed American composer whose music has been described as “astonishingly inventive” (Musical America). The THSO is honored to be apart of this historic festival on October 29th at 7:30pm! This event is FREE and open to the public.
Program
Persephone: for 13 Instruments (2023) - 17’
Composed By Jim Stephenson
Inspired by the Greek myth of Persephone, Stephenson's Persephone imagines a musical prequel to Aaron Copland's beloved Appalachian Spring. Beginning in a world of sunshine and flowers, the music follows Persephone's abduction to the Underworld, her unexpected transformation into its queen, and her eventual return to the world above. Along the way, Stephenson weaves subtle references to Copland's iconic score and the folk tune "Home, Sweet Home," creating a work that is both familiar and fresh. Richly atmospheric and emotionally compelling, Persephone is a captivating journey through darkness, renewal, and the changing of the seasons.
Conducted By ISU Director of Bands and THSO Board Member Eric Scott
Featured THSO Musicians:
Violin - Michael Chu, Alex Tada
Viola - Angela Kapikian, John Cho
Cello - Owen Cummings, Nathaniel Blowers
Double Bass - Aidos Khamitov
Flute - Angela Reynolds
Clarinet - Samantha Johnson-Helms
Bassoon - Chad Roseland
The Devil’s Tale (2013) - 45’
Composed By Jim Stephenson
What happened after Stravinsky's L'Histoire du Soldat (The Soldier's Tale) ended? Jim Stephenson answers that question with The Devil's Tale, a clever and imaginative sequel that reimagines the famous story as a modern-day dream. Filled with wit, drama, mystery, and dazzling virtuosity, the work unfolds as a musical "palindrome," with events and themes reflecting one another in reverse. Each performer takes a starring role as the story explores love, temptation, and redemption through a colorful blend of narration and chamber music.
Conducted by THSO Music Director Roger Kalia
Featured THSO Musicians: Michael Chu, Concertmaster; Samantha Johnson-Helms, Principal Clarinet; Chad Roseland, Principal Bassoon; Jay Ellsmore, Principal Trumpet; Jacob Hardy, Bass Trombone; and Aidos Khamitov, Principal Bass.