Experience the music of Baroque composer Antonio Vivaldi as the MSU College of Music kicks off its fifth annual Joanne and Bill Church West Circle Series at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13 in the recently reinvented Fairchild Theatre in MSU’s Auditorium.
Artists from the MSU College of Music such as Suren Bagratuni, cello, and Michael Kroth, bassoon, will take the stage performing concertos, and will be joined by their colleague Dmitri Berlinski and the International Chamber Soloists, a prominent string ensemble. In addition, David Rayl will conduct the University Chorale, a 55-member choir, comprised of the best graduate and upper-level undergraduate singers in the college.
Vivaldi, who was born in Italy in the late 1600s, became renowned for his concertos and for his choral works and operas. His famous four-part masterpiece, The Four Seasons which was written between 1771-1721, is still one of the most famous, classical works.
West Circle Series sponsors Joanne and Bill Church, both MSU alumni living in New York, return often to East Lansing for College of Music performances.
Viva Vivaldi has a dynamic concert program, including:
- Magnificat – University Chorale, David Rayl, conductor
- Concerto for Bassoon in A minor – Michael Kroth, bassoon
- Concerto for Cello in D minor – Suren Bagratuni, cello
- The Four Seasons – Dmitri Berlinsky, violin, and the International Chamber Soloists
- Concerto No. 1 in E major "La primavera" (Spring)
- Concerto No. 2 in G minor "L'estate" (Summer)
- Concerto No. 3 in F major "L'autunno" (Autumn)
- Concerto No. 4 in F minor "L'inverno" (Winter)
Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors (age 60 and older) and $5 for students and anyone under 18. Free “rush” seating for students, if available. Tickets may be purchased online at www.music.msu.edu, or at the door.
Bios for International Chamber Soloists and University Chorale and photos for all artists and ensembles can be found online here.