Not all world-premieres happen in Hollywood.
The audience at Columbus High School was treated such an occasion Tuesday night, when the Symphonic Band performed "Rio De Fuego" for the first time on stage.
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"It's really a special thing to be able to premiere a brand new work," CHS Band Director Jeff Peabody told the audience. "This is such a unique opportunity that came about over the last year. We're thrilled to play it tonight."
The premiere was part of the Percussion Ensemble and Symponic Band Spring Concert. And though the night lacked an appearance from Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, a rock star was in the house.
"Rio De Fuego" composer Larry MacTaggert was a guest of honor as he introduced and watched his work take life on stage.
"They did a great job," MacTaggert said of seeing the students perform his works. "Any time you can hear it come to life, it's terrific."
The CHS bands have performed several of MacTaggart's songs over the years, including "Procession of the Chosen," during Tuesday's show. But this is the first composition commissioned by Columbus High School.
"When the students have a good performance, I like to say 'Nobody has played it better.' Tonight, that's actually true." Peabody joked.
MacTaggart called it a joy to do.
"Jeff (Peabody) is so easy to work with. We would talk and he would go 'how about this ... how about that. And I was like 'yes, let's do that,'" the composer said of the collaboration. "(Rio De Fuego) is more of a fantasy. It has an Aztec feel to it, so it's a bit darker than some of the other stuff I've done."
MacTaggert told the audience before "Rio De Fuego's" opening, that he draws inspiration from rivers and often uncovers parts of his songs while driving.
"It's very spontaneous, and it can happen just on the way to the store," he said. "Sometimes if I'm feeling something inspirational, I'll take a detour ... make it the long way around. Then I go in, drop everything and get to the piano."
MacTaggart is a freelance music composer and arranger. He served 27 years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force Band program. Upon his retirement from active duty, MacTaggart worked at the Omaha World-Herald and Leo A. Doly architecture firm. He is married to the Jill Divis, a native of Brainard.
Upcoming performances:
April 7 Winter Percussion Championships 1:33 p.m. - Bellevue East High School
April 9 CHS Musc. Department Solo and Small Ensemble Recital 6:30 p.m. - CHS Choir and Band Rooms
April 12 NSBA State Jazz Festival Performance 4:05 p.m. - Elkhorn South High School
April 19 District Music Contest 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Columbus Middle School
May 2 Jazz Band Concert with the New World Singers 7:00 p.m. - CHS Concert Hall
May 6 CHS Band Honors Concert and Awards Night 6:30 p.m. - CHS Concert Hall
May 14 CHS Bands Final Concert of the School year 7:00 p.m. - CHS Concert hall