Topic: College of Fine Arts
September 11, 2007
<b>Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet</B>
Ball State's
College of Fine Arts is bringing three world-class musical groups to campus through its Arts Alive Concert Series.
"This is a different series this year, one that has many firsts for Arts Alive - the first woodwind group, the first vocal group and the first jazz singer," said Robert Kvam, dean of the College of Fine Arts. "It is very rewarding to be able to continue to attract such world-class talent and variety to our community through this series."
On Oct. 4, the Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet will open the series with an 8 p.m. concert at Sursa Performance Hall. The renowned quintet, founded in 1988, has maintained its original musicians since its inception. The musicians have collaborated with legendary conductors Leonard Bernstein, Carlos Kleiber, Sir John Barbirolli, Günter Wand, Carlo Maria Giulini, Bernard Haitink, Riccardo Muti and more.
On Nov. 6, Chanticleer will grace the Sursa stage at 8 p.m. Called "America's favorite choral ensemble" by the New Yorker magazine, Chanticleer will perform more than 100 concerts worldwide this year. Based in San Francisco, the 12-member group is known for its vivid interpretations of vocal literature, from Renaissance to jazz and from gospel to venturesome new music.
Chanticleer's concert also will mark the return of alumnus Jace Wittig. Wittig, a baritone, is an Indianapolis native who grew up singing in the Indianapolis Children's Choir. He received his bachelor's degree in vocal performance, studying voice with Craig Priebe and piano with Jim Helton, associate professors of music performance.
On March 4, jazz singer Jackie Allen will come to Ball State to perform at 8 p.m. in Sursa. Jazz Times believes there's only one way to describe Allen's singing: "Wow." Her versatility, range and infectious enthusiasm will capture the hearts of Arts Alive concertgoers, Kvam said. Allen, who is on the faculty at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, has toured Morocco, Brazil and China, where she was the only jazz artist to headline at the Beijing Music Festival.
Allen also has a Ball State connection. She is married to the School of Music's Hans Sturm, professor of music and accomplished artist on the double bass.
Tickets cost $80 for the entire series and $35 for individual concerts. For more information, call 765-285-5581.