The sixth season of the Joanne and Bill Church West Circle Series continues with “The Magic of Mendelssohn” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9 in MSU Auditorium’s Fairchild Theatre.
This concert will feature College of Music’s world-renowned faculty performing solos and small ensemble works by composer and piano virtuoso Felix Mendelssohn.
Mendelssohn, who was born in to a popular and financially privileged family, was afforded opportunities to study with great musicians in some of the finest institutions of his time and therefore became an exceptional musician himself. Despite his fortunate upbringing, Mendelssohn faced several challenges in his lifetime including the death of his mother, being afflicted by fits of anger, an adulterous love and criticism for his anti-radical compositions. Mendelssohn’s works are now highly regarded for their romantic qualities.
The concert will begin with Professor Emeritus of Piano Ralph Votapek’s interpretation of “Variations Sérieuses,” Op. 54, a solo piece for piano, which Mendelssohn wrote to help raise money for a Beethoven monument.
"Felix Mendelssohn is arguably one of the most gifted of composers. The ‘Magic of Mendelssohn’ gives an overview of his extraordinary abilities ranging from the ‘Serious Variations,’ a standard in the pianist’s repertoire, to the exuberant Sonata for Piano and Cello in D,” said Chair of the Piano Area Deborah Moriarty, who also serves as West Circle Series artistic director.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors (age 60 and older), and $5 for students with ID and anyone under 18. Tickets may be purchased through the College of Music box office (517) 353-5340, online at music.msu.edu, or at the door.
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