Music to the campus’s ears for the millennium

The music department is kicking off several series of concerts this semester featuring different types of music.

The first of the New Millennium Series Sunday was “Flute Music From Around the World,” a concert with Terri Sundberg. This is just one of many groups within the music department sponsoring events this Fall.

“We do about 200 concerts a semester, usually between student recitals and guest artists, most being internationally renowned. We have Abbey Simon coming on this Sunday; that show is expected to sell out,” said Glenn Disney, department of music events manager.

World-renowned pianist Abbey Simon, who is considered one of the world’s best pianists, will perform Oct. 17 at 4 p.m. in the music recital hall, playing an all-Chopin concert.

Along with the New Millenium Series, FENAM, Festival of New American Music, will host a number of free performances throughout the month of November.

According to Disney, “FENAM is dubbed the largest festival of its kind anywhere in the U.S.” It consists largely of American Composers, and few festivals focus only on American composers.

In addition, “The wind ensemble and orchestra will be doing several different performances in November,” said Disney.

Music Now, an ensemble of avant-garde artists in its tenth season, will open its new season with “Leap into the New Millennium,” with the Dale Scholl Dance Art Company Oct. 23 in the Music Recital Hall at 8 p.m. The performance will include music by John Cage, Paul Dresher, and various other American composers. Moreover, a Dale Scholl-choreographed rendition of Music Now Director Howard Hersh’s Millenium Spring will be performed.

The Sacramento State Symphony Orchestra will also open its season Oct. 26 in the Music Recital Hall at 8 p.m. The program will feature musical interpretations of the poem “Le Chasseur Mauidt” by Cesar Franck, Joseph Scwanter’s tribute to Martin Luther King, called “New Morning for the World” and “Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition.”

Sacramento State will also host a Piano Festival Oct. 16-17. A few master classes will be available on Saturday, and a private lesson and piano recital is scheduled for Sunday. The registration is $40.

In addition to the number of world-renowned guest artists who will appear on campus, students, faculty and staff will host performances as well.

“The large events on campus receive a lot of press. Smaller events, such as student recitals and master classes, are usually publicized with flyers and word of mouth,” said Disney.

If interested in any of the above-mentioned events, the Fall 1999 Bravo newsletter is available at the Music Department, or call 278-HOTT for more information.