Musical Arts Series

Nuclear Percussion Ensemble

October 16, 2007 at 7:30 PM in Fine Arts Recital Hall

Masterclass October 16

Nuclear Percussion Ensemble is St. Louis' own cutting edge world music group. Henry Claude, Matt Henry, and Adam Rugo have developed challenging, exciting percussion music based on their scholarship of diverse world music traditions, from Africa and the Caribbean to Europe, U.S.A., and Asia. N.P.E. has performed with Circus Harmony, Gateway Men’s Chorus, St. Louis Shakespeare Festival, and Metro Theater Company, as well as entertaining thousands of school children through Young Audiences of St. Louis.

James Giles, pianist (Steger Institute)

October 30, 2007 at 7:30 PM in Fine Arts Recital Hall

Masterclass October 30

James Giles regularly performs to acclaim in important musical centers in America and Europe. He recently completed a tour of China and played at Warsaw’s Chopin Academy of Music. Last season he appeared as soloist with the symphony orchestras of Bangor, Boise, Evanston, and Fresno. He performed Gershwin’s Concerto in F and Rhapsody in Blue with the Fresno Philharmonic on five days notice, replacing the indisposed soloist. This season, in addition to performances in France, Italy, Bosnia, and China, he collaborates with the Cassatt, Chicago and Pacifica Quartets, with tenor Anthony Dean Griffey, with violinists Gerardo Ribiero and Ilya Kaler, and with the Chicago Chamber Musicians.

Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate, Composer/Performer (Presented as part of the Native American Symposium)

November 1, 2007 at 7:30 PM in Fine Arts Recital Hall

Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate was born in 1968 in Norman, Oklahoma and is a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation. Mr. Tate is dedicated to the development of American Indian classical composition, and his recent review by The Washington Post states that “Tate’s connection to nature and the human experience was quite apparent in this piece. Rarer still is his ability to infuse classical music with American Indian nationalism.” This review was a response to his recent performance of Iholba (The Vision), for Solo Flute, Orchestra and Chorus, which was commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra and premiered at the Kennedy Center.

String Orchestra of New York City

November 13, 2007 at 7:30 PM in Fine Arts Recital Hall

Public School performance TBA

Now entering it’s eighth season, SONYC (String Orchestra of New York City) has established itself as one of the leading young ensembles in New York City; with regular performances at New York’s Merkin Concert Hall and Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. A conductorless chamber ensemble, SONYC members rehearse in a collaborative effort that allows each musician to have an impact on the artistic process. The flexibility and intimacy of a string quartet are thus fused with the power and scope of an orchestra.

Hugues Leclére, pianist

January 25, 2008 at 7:30 PM in Fine Arts Recital Hall

Masterclass, January 26

Born in France, Hugues Leclére perfected his playing with Catherine Collard before entering the Paris National Conservatory (Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique), from which he graduated with high honours in piano, music theory, and chamber music. During his years at Conservatory, he studied at with Jean–Claude Pennetier, Jean–François Heisser, Alain Planés, Régis Pasquier, and Alain Louvier.

America’s Dream Chamber Artists

February 26, 2008 at 7:30 PM in Fine Arts Recital Hall

Public School performance TBA

America’s Dream Chamber Artists (ADCA) is America’s newest and most exciting chamber music society. Something of this scope and vision has not been created in the classical music world for well over 30 years. ADCA intends to change the face of chamber music by enlivening its future by presenting chamber music in a renewed and energized manner, making it approachable and enjoyable to all kinds of audiences. ADCA’s dynamic and inspiring performances represent a fresh approach to chamber music that challenges tradition, taking one right to the core of what chamber music was always meant to be by removing the formality of the concert hall and replacing it with a more personal relationship with the audience.

Atlantic Brass Quintet

March 3, 2008 at 7:30 PM in Fine Arts Recital Hall

Masterclass March 3

Widely acclaimed as one of the world’s finest brass ensembles, the Atlantic Brass Quintet has been heard in 48 of the United States and more than a dozen countries across four continents, performing a unique repertory spanning Praetorius, Monteverdi, and Bach; Etler, Stravinsky, Rands; and brass music from the streets of Brazil, Cuba, the Balkans, and New Orleans. Winner of six international chamber music competitions, the Quintet’s distinctive sound, impeccable ensemble, stunning viruosity, and warm, inviting stage presence have won praise from scores of critics.

Barboro/Destefano cello and piano duo (Steger Institute)

March 6, 2008 at 7:30 PM in Fine Arts Recital Hall

Masterclass March 7

Maurizio Barboro completed his artistical education at the “Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia” in Rome, under the guidance of Lya De Barberiis.Winner of Italian piano competitions, since 1980 he has combined an intense career in Italy as well as in the major cultural centres in Europe,Asia and North America,collaborating with famous conductors and prestigious orchestras. Since 1996 Barboro has been currently “artist in residence” and “permanent soloist” of the “Dumitrescu” Philharmonic Orchestra of Valcea (Romania). Dario Destefano studied with Renzo Brancaleon, Antonio Janigro and Johannes Goritzki, obtaining the diploma with full marks at the “G. Verdi” Conservatory in Turin, and in Germany at the “R. Schumann” Hochschule in Düsseldorf.

Waverly Consort

April 16, 2008 at 7:30 PM in Fine Arts Recital Hall

Public School performance TBA

The Waverly Consort is one of America’s premiere ensembles and a pioneer in the early–music revival. Founded in 1964 by Michael and Kay Jaffee to explore the fascinating sounds and styles of early musical repertories, the ensemble has created a worldwide audience for its music through international concerts, recordings, and radio and television appearances. In addition to annual tours of North America, the ensemble has appeared throughout South America, Great Britain, Portugal, the Far East, and at international festivals including the Casals Festival, the Hong Kong Festival, the Madeira Bach Festival, and the Caramoor Festival. In its home city of New York, the group has performed 100 concerts at Lincoln Center, as well as at cultural centers throughout the country.

Brian Balmages (Guest composer/conductor appearing with the SOSU Symphonic Band

April 28, 2008 at 7:30 PM in Montgomery Auditorium

Brian Balmages is an active composer, conductor, producer, and performer. His fresh compositional ideas have been heralded by many performers and directors, resulting in a high demand of his works for winds, brass, and orchestra. He received his bachelor’s degree in music from James Madison University and his master’s degree from the University of Miami in Florida.