Steven Bryant

Stampede is a western, at once evoking the romanticized “wild west”, while the much wilder, unpredictable reality of that era repeatedly interjects its presence.

The music is a high-spirited celebration of the Calgary Stampede’s cultural amalgamation (from the cowboys and the agriculture and livestock industries they represent, to the First Nations, to the Young Canadians, and of course, the Stampede Band), and the unified spirit of all these groups in promoting their western values and heritage.

It can loosely be thought of as Copland’s Billy the Kid meets John Adams’ Short Ride in a Fast Machine meets me in a dark alley. Written for the Calgary Stampede Showband, this work is meant for the large, symphonic band ensemble.

Commissioned by: Calgary Stampede Band, with support by the Rozsa Foundation

Premiered

18 February 2004, Alberta International Band Festival, by the Calgary Stampede Band, Dan Finley, conductor

Technical Info

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