Faculty Concert showcases outstanding local talent

Every midwinter, the pro series shines a spotlight on many brilliant performers who are also Brandon University (BU) faculty members.

In this season’s edition, the offerings feature various instrumental groupings, while spanning genres and styles, from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. The concert will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 12 in the Lorne Watson Recital Hall.

“The opportunity to hear my colleagues, who are such talented musicians, perform is a personal highlight of the pro series,” said Greg Gatien, the Dean of Music at BU.

“It’s also a welcome reminder, on what is sure to be a cold winter night, of how fortunate we are to have such incredibly talented and dedicated musicians living, teaching and performing in our community.”

In the lineup are jazz saxophonist Matt Steckler, guitarist Paul Madryga, trombonist Aaron Wilson, violinist Kerry DuWors, violist Robert Richardson Jr., flutist Nancy Hennen and clarinetist Cathy Wood, along with pianists Everett Hopfner, Megumi Masaki and Alexander Tselyakov. Pianist Katherine Dowling will also join in as a guest performer.

Representing the Romantic period, fittingly, is Saint-Saëns’ Romance Op. 37. Then, from a few decades later, at the dawn of the 20th century, are two of Rachmaninoff’s Romances (“The Dream” and “Daisies”) from his Opus 38. The mid-century selection is the third of Bohuslav Martinů’s Madrigals.

Among the more recently composed works are a trombone gem entitled Improvisation No. 1 by Crespo, a 2004 creation by Bunch entitled La ultima noche en la casa del Flamenco for clarinet and piano, and the reworking of “La Maja el Ruisenor” from Granados’ masterpiece Goyescas, penned for two pianos by Finch.

“Many of the compositions in this programme will be Brandon premieres,” said Gatien. “So, I look forward to seeing you at this once-a-year musical adventure.”

The Faculty Concert will begin at 7:30 p.m., in the Lorne Watson Recital Hall, which is located in BU’s Queen Elizabeth II Music Building. Tickets are $15 for general admission, and $10 for students, seniors, and alumni. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at the Main Office of the School of Music. So that this event may be enjoyed by all, please contact Joyce Burba at 204-727-9631 or at Burba@BrandonU.ca with any accessibility considerations.

The pro series continues on Tuesday, Feb. 26, with BU alumni cellist Yuri Hooker and collaborative pianist Michelle Mourre.

The School of Music gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the Canada Council for the Arts, and the Province of Manitoba, through a Consolidated Arts Programming Grant through Culture, Heritage and Tourism.

Please note that seating in the Lorne Watson Recital Hall is limited and that programmes are subject to change. For an up-to-date listing of pro series and student performances, please visit BrandonU.ca/Music.

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