Eastern Music Program to host 6 September-October Concerts
Willimantic, CT (09/20/2018) — The Music Program at Eastern Connecticut State University will hold six concerts in late September and October. From jazz music to opera performances, pieces inspired by famous paintings and a show by the University's premier vocal ensemble, the concerts will provide something for everyone. All concerts will be performed in the Fine Arts Instructional Center (FAIC) Concert Hall. Admission for all concerts is free; donations are gratefully accepted at the door.
On Sept. 26 at 3 p.m., vocalist and opera star Carmen Balthrop will lead a voice masterclass for sopranos. Balthrop, a first-place winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Competition, will share her experience as a highly sought-after voice in opera through the voice masterclass.
On Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m., the Music Program will present the first show of its Faculty Recital Series titled "Confluence." Featuring Eastern faculty percussionists Jeff Calissi and Matt Bronson, the show will also premiere Calissi's new work "Modus Vivendi" for mallet and world percussion.
On Oct. 6 at 7 p.m., guest performers from Ensemble/Parallax will return to Eastern to perform a series of new works, including a composition by Professor of Music Anthony Cornicello. Ensemble/Parallax is renowned for their diverse performance repertoire including 20th and 21st century masterworks, European avant-garde music, alongside multimedia and video art from artists around the world. This event is co-sponsored by the Music Society and New England Foundation for the Arts.
On Oct. 13 at 2:30 p.m., the Eastern Wind Ensemble will be joined by members of the Opera Workshop to present their fall concert "Art of Song." The concert will feature performances from influential composers such as Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein and Ralph Vaughan Williams. The program also includes performances from Eastern faculty, including music professor and soprano vocalist Emily Riggs, who will perform Samuel Barber's timeless "Knoxville: Summer of 1915."
On Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m., the Eastern Concert Band will celebrate the life and music of iconic American composer, conductor and pianist Leonard Bernstein with their concert "Bernstein at 100."
On Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m., YouTube sensation Derek Brown will showcase his unique talent of saxophone playing with beatboxing and vocals in a cross-genre performance. The following day, Brown will conduct a masterclass where he will share his experiences as a growing YouTuber and performer.
Written by Jolene Potter
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Eastern Connecticut State University is the state of Connecticut's public liberal arts university, serving more than 5,300 students annually at its Willimantic campus and satellite locations. In addition to attracting students from 163 of Connecticut's 169 towns, Eastern also draws students from 26 other states and 20 other countries. A residential campus offering 40 majors and 65 minors, Eastern offers students a strong liberal art foundation grounded in an array of applied learning opportunities. Ranked the 25th top public university in the North Region by U.S. News and World Report in its 2018 Best College ratings, Eastern has also been awarded 'Green Campus' status by the Princeton Review eight years in a row. For more information, visit www.easternct.edu.
It is the policy of Eastern Connecticut State University to ensure equal access to its events. If you are an individual with a disability and will need accommodations for this event, please contact the Office of University Relations at (860) 465-5735.
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The Eastern Wind Ensemble with members of the Opera Workshop will have its first performance of the fall semester, "Art of Song," on Oct. 13.