The Battle of Solferino was fought in northern Italy on 24th June 1859 between the alliance of France and Sardinia, and Austria. After some 15 hours of fighting the Austrians retreated leaving some 40,000 killed or injured. Such medical forces that existed were unable to cope. Many died from simple wounds. At the same time a Swiss businessman and social activist Henry Dunant was passing through the region and witnessed the suffering of the soldiers left on the battlefield. He set about a process that that led to the Geneva Conventions and the foundation of the International Red Cross movement. All this is detailed in Dunant's little book A Memory of Solferino still available today and there also exists a more recent film (available on DVD) called Henry Dunant: Red on the Cross which tells the story of Dunant and his mission. Further information can readily be found on the internet with regard to the Battle of Solferino, Dunant and the Red Cross.
Program notes by the composer.
LEAD COMMISSIONERS
Felix Hauswirth – Zurich Switzerland
Glenn Price - Calgary – Alberta Canada - University of Calgary
James Ripley - Kenosha, WI USA - Carthage College
Mark Scatterday - Rochester, NY USA - Eastman School of Music
CONSORTIUM MEMBERS
Drew Anderson - Bettendorf, IA USA - Pleasant Valley High School
Leon Bly - Stuttgart Germany
Michael Burch-Pesses - Forest Grove, OR USA - Pacific University
John Burdett - Pomona, CA USA - California State Polytechnic, Pomona
Joe Brashier - Valdosta, GA USA - Valdosta State University
Robert Cesario - Rolla, MO USA - Missouri Science & Technology
Demosthenes Dimitrakoulakos Luxembourg - International School of Luxembourg Symphonic Band
Robert Gifford - Cape Giraudeau, MO USA
Peter Haberman - Eau Claire, WI USA - University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Marianne Halder - Albstadt Germany
John Holland - London England - Lambeth Wind Orchestra
Matthew Holzner & Lori Schrock - Mendota, IL USA - Mendota Township High School
Anthony Houghton - Cheshire England - Sheffield University Wind Orchestra
Scott A. Jones - Moorhead, MN USA - Concordia College - Moorhead, Minnesota
Per Lyng - Nacka Sweden
Andrew Mast - Appleton, WI USA - Lawrence University
Markus Mauderer - Kuppenheim Germany
Patrick Murphy - Portland, OR USA - University of Portland
Craig Pare’ - Greencastle, IN USA - DePauw University
George Pinchock & John Dunphy - Villanova,PA USA - Villanova University Band
James Popejoy - Grand Forks, ND USA - University of North Dakota
Anthony Reimer - Calgary, Alberta Canada
Marc Sackman - Menasha, WI USA - University of Winconsin - Fox Valley
Tim Shade - Bethel, KS USA - Bethel College
David Vandewalker - Kennesaw, GA USA - Harrison High School
Jay Watkins - Gainesville, FL USA - University of Florida
INAUGURAL PERFORMANCE
Performed by Carthage Wind Orchestra conducted by James Ripley on March 16, 2012
RESOURCES
Composer's website: https://www.martinellerby.com
Publisher: Studio Music Company