Combining vibrant contemporary classical music with business and entrepreneurship education, the MSU College of Music is proud to present Eighth Blackbird, the inaugural artist coming to campus through the college’s Entrepreneurial Musical Artist in Residence program funded by the MSU Federal Credit Union. The ensemble will perform at 7:30 p.m. April 10 at MSU’s Fairchild Theatre.
Established in 1996, Eighth Blackbird began as a group of six entrepreneurial Oberlin Conservatory students and quickly became “a brand-name defined by adventure, vibrancy and quality” (Detroit Free Press). Over more than two decades, the group has pushed boundaries of contemporary chamber music that’s gained high praise, leading the group to a now-totalled four Grammy Awards for Best Small Ensemble/Chamber Music Performance.
When MSUFCU announced a $5.5 million donation over five years to 10 different MSU programs, the College of Music received $750,000 of that total to fund a new signature artist-in-residence program focused on entrepreneurship in the musical arts. The MSUFCU Entrepreneurial Musical Artist in Residence (EMAR) endowment was then created to allow and bring music majors the opportunity to learn from and network with successful, progressive artists.
During a multiple-day residency, the ensemble – and subsequent artists as a result of EMAR – will engage with students through master classes, entrepreneurship workshops, a public concert and other presentations. Their activities include a visit at 8:55 a.m. April 9 at to Chippewa Middle School in Okemos, which is open to media.
The concert is reserved seating. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors (age 60 and older) and $10 for students. They can be purchased online at music.msu.edu, by phone (517) 353-5340 or in person from the main office, Music Building, 333 West Circle Drive, East Lansing.
Information on other concerts and ticket links can be found on the MSU College of Music web site.