The Eastern Kentucky University Symphonic Band will present the world premiere of "A Stephen Foster Fantasy" at the 2002 Kentucky Music Educators Association Conference Saturday, Feb. 9 in Louisville.

The work, by South Carolina Composer Laureate Dr. Gordon Goodwin, was commissioned by and dedicated to the EKU Symphonic Bands and Stephen Collins Foster Music Camps, held annually on the Richmond campus. Based on themes from the Foster repertoire, the piece is the first major work for band commissioned by the EKU program in the 96-year history of the institution.

EKU's Symphonic Band, under the direction of EKU Director of Bands Dr. Joe Allison, will perform at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville at 12:20 p.m.

The 40-minute presentation also will include a new setting by Allison of Aaron Copland's "Laurie's Song" from "The Tender Land," featuring soprano Dr. Joyce Wolf of the EKU music faculty. Also included in the program will be the EKU Faculty String Quartet, as well as other faculty soloists.

A multimedia presentation of David Gillingham's latest composition, "Internal Combustion," will involve members of the EKU Dance Studio, under the direction of Dr. Marianne McAdam.
The Foster Music Camp at EKU is the Commonwealth's longest-running music camp. This summer will mark its 67th season.

For Richmond area audiences, a special free preview performance will be held at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5 in the Keen Johnson Ballroom.