ATHENA combines the role of the Goddess of Wisdom and War. She is benevolent and protector of civilized life and some of them regard her as the "goddess with sparkling eyes". She’s endowed with attributes relating to the war : the shield and the spear, but also other related to the intelligence such as the olive tree and the owl. The Goddess Athena ensures the City of Athens. She’s the protector of artisans and workers, and also preserves their health. That's why we find her on the currency of this city.
 
Jean-Philippe Vanbeselaere has naturally used the many resources of Wind Orchestras to compose his first symphony : a wealth of tones and multiple combinations of sound colors, enriching thus the melodies and themes that follow each other throughout the different movements.
 
Without define this composition as a program music, the inspiration of this symphony built in 3 movments (1. Athena / 2. Hera / 3. Zeus) is more focused on the evocation of adventure, leaving a large place to the imagination. 
 
« An original creation, joyful, exciting and full of life »
Nord Éclair - December 14th, 2010
 
Commissioned by Orchestre d'Harmonie de Tourcoing / Creation 2010