University of Kansas School of Music's Interim Dean Paul W. Popiel Embarks on Epic Recording Project

Lawrence, KS - In a remarkable musical endeavor, the University of Kansas School of Music's Interim Dean, Paul W. Popiel, is set to step into the spotlight this fall as he takes on the baton from acclaimed composer James Barnes in Japan. Dr. Popiel will conduct four concerts of all nine of Barnes' symphonies with the esteemed Osaka Shion Wind Orchestra. The concert series is being recorded for a special live box CD set, making it a truly historic event in the world of music.

Dr. Popiel is the current Dean and professor of music at KU. Dr. Popiel conducts the KU Wind Ensemble, directs the graduate program in wind conducting, and guides all aspects of the university band program. He also leads the historic Lawrence City Band through eleven concerts annually, and the Crossroads Wind Symphony, comprised of area music educators, through six concerts annually. The Osaka Shion Wind Orchestra, revered for their exceptional performances and precision, is equally excited to collaborate with Dr. Popiel on this momentous recording.

A highlight of the event is the unprecedented scale of the endeavor, encompassing all nine symphonies by James Barnes, totaling more than five hours of music. With the symphonies dating back through Barnes' prolific career, the recording project aims to pay homage to the composer's enduring influence on the world of wind music.

To prepare for this epic undertaking, Dr. Popiel spent his entire summer dedicated to mastering the scores, learning an astounding 1,200 pages of complex musical compositions. The box set is expected to be a highly sought-after collector's item for music enthusiasts and wind music aficionados worldwide.

The concert series will kick off in the fall at the Osaka Shion Wind Orchestra's prestigious venue, with dates and details available on their official website: https://shion.jp/2023/03/18/new-jamesbarnes/.