Ideas about lightness and shadow have inspired countless artists throughout the years as expressions of beauty and mystery, sources of comfort and harbingers of doom, and representations of divinity and chaos. Each in their own way, the works on this release engage with images of light and shadow, reflecting the breadth of emotions wrapped up in this basic dichotomy that shapes all of our experiences. The University of Kansas Wind Ensemble has been described as “one of America’s most esteemed concert bands.” (New York Times) After the group’s Carnegie Hall debut in 2013, New York Times described the ensemble as “performing with polish, assurance and copious spirit, eliciting a rousing ovation.” Pieces by leading contemporary wind band composers are featured on this new release, including Steven Bryant, Aaron Perrine, James Barnes, Joel Puckett, John Mackey, and Joni Greene.