They might be better known for their work in the sciences, but MIT also has an impressive composition department. The MIT Wind Ensemble, comprised mostly of non-music majors, here presents dedicated and well-rehearsed renderings of works by five Boston-area composers, four of whom serve on MIT's faculty.

I am particularly taken by two works that incorporate a solo violin part, both elegantly performed by Young-Nam Kim. Peter Child's Concertino for Violin and Chamber Winds has an appealingly off-kilter structure; ruminative and harmonically enigmatic for much of the piece, it finishes with a post-minimal flourish. Gunther Schuller's "Song and Dance" also has a long slow section, called "Quiet Music", followed by a more active section called "Fiddle Music". The latter is certainly vigorous and virtuosic, but eschews the rustic character of most "fiddle music". Still, Schuller's language is captivating in its deft combination of angular melodies with lush-yet-complex chords.

Evan Ziporyn's "Drill", with the composer as bass clarinet soloist, has a motoric and minimal demeanor, while Brian Robison's "The Congress of the Insomniacs" displays both a broad stylistic palette and ebullient rhythms in a colorful and effective work for winds.

Contemporary composers need dedicated advocates wherever they can find them. However, it is quite gratifying to hear a student wind ensemble fill this role so capably and enthusiastically.