The annual School of Music Panorama Concert is known for its unexpected moments, and this year’s event brings a rediscovered piece of the school’s own history to the stage. Distinguished Alumni Award recipient William Wielgus ’79 will perform “Solitude,” a long‑lost work by former UW–Madison horn professor John Barrows, offering the audience a rare chance to hear a composition unheard for many years.

“Solitude” was first performed by the San Diego Symphony at the Balboa Park Organ Pavilion on August 14, with a repeat performance on June 6, 1935. Barrows subsequently withdrew the music from circulation, and the music was thought to be lost. In 2024, Wielgus re-discovered and edited the “Solitude” manuscript and gave the first performance in almost 90 years at American University.

“Barrows was unduly modest about his compositional skills,” Wielgus said. “His family donated his scores to UW–Madison a few years ago, and I digitized the music and performed it at American University two years ago. It is a fantastic piece.”

Barrows was a revered French horn teacher at UW–Madison who taught at the university from 1961 to 1974. He moved to Madison from New York City as a top freelance player with his wife Tait, who was on the piano faculty.

“There are still some around who fondly remember working with Barrows and he produced a fantastic studio,” Wielgus said. “He died shortly before I started studying at the School of Music, but his influence was still strongly felt. He and his music should be remembered.”

Wielgus performs “Solitude” with University Symphony Orchestra at Panorama on January 31 at the Hamel Music Center. Tickets are available here.