Boyd Eagle Conducting a Military Ensemble, c. 1940

In a unique collaboration with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra is proud to announce the restoration of a work by the late Native American composer Boyd Eagle (1902-1989). Thanks to a joint editorial effort by the two orchestras, Eagle’s piece “Caprice” will receive its twenty-first century premiere on February 22, 2026 in Wichita and February 28, 2026 in Binghamton, as part of the Binghamton Philharmonic’s  program Canons and Cannons: Pops at the Forum. 

Boyd Eagle – a prolific jazz musician, conductor, and composer – was a citizen of the wal-lam-wat-kain band of Nimi:pu: (Nez Perce), led in the early twentieth century by legendary warrior Chief Joseph. His grandson, Maestro Daniel Hege, is a member of the Chief Joseph Band of Nez Perce of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. Boyd Eagle’s short orchestral piece “Caprice,” written in 1967, boasts lyrical melodies and vibrant rhythms, reflecting his roots straddling jazz, classical, and Native musical traditions. 

These performances of “Caprice” mark a milestone in the orchestras’ shared commitment to expand the canon by championing the work of diverse composers. Our preservation of Boyd Eagle’s unique voice is not just a joyful celebration of Maestro Hege’s musical legacy, but also a powerful affirmation of the ways our nation’s heritage continues to enrich classical music. We are honored to be a part of this remarkable tribute to musical, cultural, and family heritage.