Listeners of all musical persuasions in mid-Michigan are in for a treat as the MSU College of Music presents its season that runs from September through May.
The college will kick-off the musical season with “Fairchild Fanfare,” named for the Fairchild Theatre, at 8 p.m. Sept. 18. Part of the MSU Federal Credit Union Showcase Series, this fast-paced montage features ensembles and soloists who call Fairchild their musical home — including choirs, jazz groups, artist-faculty, chamber music groups, new music ensembles and opera.
"This concert showcases the extraordinary talents of our students and faculty artists whom we are privileged to host at Fairchild Theatre," said James Forger, dean of the College of Music. "We're proud to offer such exciting and diverse programming, and we are grateful for the generosity and support of our donors, our university and the community."
Familiar favorites fill the schedule, including holiday events like “A Jazzy Little Christmas” and Handel’s “Messiah.” Other popular concerts include vocal delight with Spanish-themed music, and the International Chamber Soloists with violinist Dmitri Berlinsky.
The MSU Opera Theatre will awe audiences with two fully staged and costumed operas at Fairchild, including "A Room with a View" in November, and a collaboration with voice students from MSU and China for "The Savage Land" (one act) and a Leonard Bernstein revue "Bernstein Sings America."
The "Joanne and Bill Church West Circle Series" returns for its sixth year to celebrate the great works of master composers including Dvořák, Mendelssohn, Mozart, and Beethoven. And for one week in April, acclaimed internationally renowned guests and artist faculty will headline the 16th annual Cello Plus "Chamber Music Festival."
The College of Music is pleased to offer a new series this season – the “Taylor Johnston Early Music Series” – focused on the music of the Renaissance.
Throughout the season, "Best of the Best" recitals by several artist-faculty and guest artists will feature works that have inspired audiences throughout the world. And no musical season at MSU would be complete without the numerous performances by the talented graduate and undergraduate students comprising the Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensembles, Wind Symphony, and Choral Ensembles, led by acclaimed MSU conductors.
Following is the 2015-16 season.
MSU Federal Credit Union Showcase Series
• "A Fairchild Fanfare," 8 p.m., Sept. 18, Fairchild Theatre
• "Handel’s Messiah," 7 p.m., Dec. 6, Wharton Center
• "A Jazzy Little Christmas," 8 p.m., Dec. 19, Fairchild Theatre
• "A Spanish Serenade," 8 p.m., Jan. 23, Fairchild Theatre
• International Chamber Soloists, 8 p.m., April 22, Fairchild Theatre
Joanne and Bill Church West Circle Series
• "Music of Antonin Dvořák," 7:30 p.m., Oct. 5
• "The Magic of Mendelssohn," 7:30, Nov. 9
• "Happy Birthday Mozart," 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25
• "Beethoven!," 7:30 p.m., March 14
MSU Opera Theatre
• "A Room with a View," (7:30 p.m., 8 p.m., 8 p.m., and 3 p.m.) Nov. 18, 20, 21, and 22
• "The Savage Land and Bernstein Sings American," (7:30 p.m., 8 p.m.,
• 8 p.m., and 3 p.m.) March 23, 25, 26, 27
Cello Plus Chamber Music Festival 2016
• "Romantic Masterpieces," 7:30 p.m. April 4
• "Mozart for Five," 7:30 p.m., April 6
• "Chamber Music Favorites," 8 p.m., April 8
• "From Haydn to Prutsman," 3 p.m., April 10
Taylor Johnston Early Music Series
• Edward Parmentier, solo harpsichord, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 7, Cook Recital Hall, Music Building
• The Oberlin Baroque Ensemble, strings, flute harpsichord, 8 p.m., Jan. 29, 2016, Fairchild Theatre
• "Italian Vocal Music of the 16th and Early 17th Centuries," 7:30 p.m., April 19, Fairchild Theatre
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