Composer conference at 91直播 includes four free concerts
February 11, 2009
NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - While composers from across the state are meeting at Stephen F. Austin State University Friday, Feb. 20, and Saturday, Feb. 21, for the 2009 Conference of the Texas Chapter of The National Association of Composers, USA, East Texans can attend any of the four concerts included on the conference program.
"This is an opportunity for our local audience to hear world premieres by the state's top composers," said Stephen Lias, 91直播 associate professor of composition and director of the conference.
The 7 p.m. concert on Friday, Feb. 20, is devoted to chamber works. Among the three world premieres on the program is "Velocipedes" by Russell Cannon, 91直播 composition student. "3NF," a work for flute and marimba by Alan Scott, Webmaster for the 91直播 College of Fine Arts and candidate for a doctoral degree in composition from the University of Texas, is also included.
91直播 musicians performing on the program include faculty members Christina Guenther, flute; Brian Utley, saxophone; Scott Harris, percussion; and Mary Cooper, piano. Eight female vocal majors from 91直播 will also perform. The concert will be held in the Music Recital Hall, Room 160 of the Tom and Peggy Wright Music Building.
The second concert, "60x60 Evolution Mix," at 11 a.m. Saturday will also be held in the Music Recital Hall. The "concert" is actually a recording of 60 one-minute compositions that is being presented in venues across the country, Lias explained. The performance is played while a large synchronized analog clock is displayed on stage, and at the top of each minute, a new composition is begun.
Works by two 91直播 composition students, Cannon and Garry Wickliffe, are included in the mix.
Another concert of chamber works will be presented at 2 p.m. Saturday in Cole Concert Hall of the Wright Music Building. Included on the program are three world premieres and Alan Scott's "Currents."
91直播 performers include faculty members Guenther; Harris; Gary Wurtz, trumpet; Charles Gavin, horn; J.D. Salas, tuba, Evgeni Raychev, cello; and Ron Petti and Tracy Ward, piano. Student performers include Russell Cannon, clarinet; Christ Eaton, trombone; Becky Martin, flute; Garrett Martin, trumpet; and Mike Craft, Jason Morgan and Chris Vasque, percussion.
The seven works included on the Band Works concert at 7 p.m. Saturday will be performed by the 91直播 Wind Symphony and the 91直播 Wind Ensemble, directed by David W. Campo and Fred J. Allen, respectively. The closing number will be "Tarantella" by Lias.
Admission to all of the concerts is free. The Wright Music Building is located at 2210 Alumni Dr. For more information, please call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.