The FSO played with the Hawk Project based on arrangements by Maestro Fleischer, which were rich and complex. His arrangements included selections from Stravinsky which contrasted sharply in the traditional "Encouragement Song" of Native peoples. The lighting added to the drama of the evening, as the backdrop was lit in changing colors and shadows, reflecting the moods of the works. The FSO played the opening movement of Dvorak's "New World" Symphony featuring the flute of Hawk Project member Dennis Yerry, a Iroquois composer. It was full of pathos and irony, with the lilting Native flute showing the contrast of the "new" world and the one occupied for millennia before white men arrived on American shores.

The Hawk Project's work is a fusion and jazz and New Age. The players would drift from a five-man flute chorus to a drum circle. Their lead instruments are saxophone, Native flute and a MIDI wind instrument that puts out very modern sounds. Even Randy Fleischer performed with a rattle, keeping rhythm during some of the riffs by the Hawks. The FSO bought out what appeared to be their entire percussion inventory, racks of bells and gongs and springs, and well used them all.

The FSO opened the concert with the original chamber version of Aaron Copland's "Appalachian Spring." It was clear and tight and worthy. The work is a suite of dance music and made me long to see the dancers on stage. The solos of the three wind principals were excellent -- Laura Barron on flute, Kent Moore playing bassoon, and particularly Jon Eder played exquisite clarinet. Also on the program was the Saint-Saens "Carnival of the Animals." It contains some familiar and whimsical works, perfect for a summer program. Frank Scott joined Rita Borden on double pianos, delivering much of the romp and hilarity of the piece. Scott will be the featured soloist in a fall FSO concert.

The crowd Tuesday was small, but enhanced by the presence of the NAU Senior Music Camp. Their energetic presence in the lobby showed what the potential of a well-attended summer program could be. Many in Flagstaff have decried the lack of summer cultural events, so the concert should not have been missed by so many. One of this quality deserves a Saturday night schedule.