50 years ago this Fall, Maslanka began his graduate studies at MSU. Returning for a guest residency, four student ensembles—Musique 21, Symphony Band, Wind Symphony, and Concert & Campus band—will perform Maslanka’s music during his stay.

“Both the Wind Symphony and Symphony Band will also perform works by Bach, one of Maslanka’s primary influences,” MSU College of Music Communications Intern and Editorial Assistant Nicole Bartell said.

Bartell said Musique 21 will also feature a solo work by Maslanka, differing from his typical ensemble music, as well as a piece by another visiting composer, Patrick Harlin.

“From the first moment I heard Maslanka's music, I was in complete awe,” Wind Symphony percussionist and composition student Josh Trentadue said.

“His music is so pure and spiritual - it can be extremely joyful in some places, and so dark and intense in others," he said. "There's such a pure quality within his melodies and orchestration that really captures the listener's attention immediately.”

Maslanka will also be giving “master composition” classes to MSU music students during his residency.

“I can't wait to be able to share this music with my friends, family, teachers, and colleagues - whether it's on-stage with the people I'm making this wonderful music with, or those experiencing this moment in the audience,” Trentadue said.

Musique 21 will perform on Monday, Sept. 28, 7:30 pm; Symphony Band will perform Tuesday, Sept. 29; Wind Symphony will perform Thursday, October 1; Concert Band and Campus Band will perform Tuesday, October 6.

Musique 21’s performance will be held in MSU Auditorium’s Fairchild Theatre; all others will be held in Wharton Center’s Cobb Great Hall. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m.