January 21, 2003

Concert series features top performers in intimate setting

Sacramento area residents have an opportunity to hear world-class performers in a small, intimate setting during this spring's New Millennium Concert Series at California State University, Sacramento. All concerts will be in the Music Recital Hall in Capistrano Hall.

The series features four concerts, including the Guarneri String Quartet, who subscription ticketholders can meet at a special post-concert reception.

The Guarneri String Quartet is widely recognized as one of the top string quartets in the world. They've performed around the world since their founding in 1964. They will perform at 8 p.m., Tuesday, April 8.

The series begins with a program to include baroque and romantic favorites by several of the region's most popular performers - Claudia Kitka (soprano), Lorna Peters (harpsichord), William Barbini (violin), Deborah Pittman (clarinet) and Dan Kennedy (percussion), as well as a special appearance by the CSUS Faculty Brass Ensemble. The performance will be at 8 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 9.

The second concert will feature the dynamic violinist Ian Swensen and internationally-acclaimed pianist Gil Kalish. Swensen, who recently joined the CSUS faculty, is one of the few musicians to have been awarded top prize in both the International Violin Competition and the International Chamber Music Competition of the prestigious Walter W. Naumburg Foundation. Kalish was a member of the Boston Symphony Chamber Players and director of the Tanglewood Music Festival for nearly 30 years, and has appeared with many of the world's finest musicians, including the Juilliard String Quartet and Dawn Upshaw. They will perform at 8 p.m., Sunday, March 16.

The series concludes with Richard Stoltzman (clarinet) and Lukas Foss (composer/piano). This "European Connection" concert brings together two of the world's most sought-after performers in a rare visit to the West Coast. They will perform at 8 p.m., Saturday, May 3.

Individual concert tickets are available for $15 to $25. A subscription for all four concerts is $60, and includes a post-concert reception with the Guarneri String Quartet. Tickets are available from the CSUS Ticket Office at (916) 278-4323. Media assistance is available from CSUS public affairs at (916) 278-6156.

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