Amstel Music - Grade 4-5 The Continental Overture was commissioned by the California Band Directors Association [CBDA] and was premiered in 1997 at the 40th annual CBDA Conference in Bakersfield, CA by the California All State Symphonic Band, conducted by de Meij. It is a short, dynamic work full of energy and spirit, with a melodic middle section and a spectacular ending. The composer does not try to hide his continental roots: several influences by some of the great European composers can be recognized.