After four decades of performing and touring, Michigan State University’s Verdehr Trio may be reaching the end of its final performing season.
To celebrate the Trio’s journey and success, the MSU College of Music is hosting a 40th Anniversary Concert at 3 p.m. on Feb. 17 in the Cook Recital Hall.
“To have the Verdehr Trio, who are known internationally, has helped to establish the reputation of the College of Music at Michigan State University," said College of Music Dean James Forger. "They are emblematic of the kinds of faculty members that the university strives to recruit and retain."
Since 1972, Walter Verdehr (violin), Elsa Ludewig-Verdehr (clarinet) and Silvia Roederer (piano) have traveled the world and performed commissioned works by world famous composers.
“It has really been a wonderful experience personally and professionally,” Elsa Ludewig-Verdehr said. “We’ve had the pleasure of working with many different composers and traveling to many different places.”
The Trio has performed in all 50 states and countries in all corners of the globe.
The 40th Anniversary concert will highlight some of the Trio’s favorite works, including two by MSU composers. It will perform “Collage – 1912” by Charles Ruggiero and “In a Dream” from Jere Hutcheson’s “Nocturnes of the Inferno.”
“It really is a time of celebration and joy,” Forger said. “They are terrific role models and will leave a legacy for many years to come.”
Aside from performing, Ludewig-Verdehr has been a member of the MSU faculty for 50 years; her husband, Walter, for 44.
That’s 90-plus years of combined service to the university and its students for which MSU and Forger are very thankful.
For more information and ticket sales, go here.