Thursday, September 18, 2014

Music performances scheduled for Family Weekend, Oct. 3-5

Members of the Jazz Ensemble with director A. Eric Heukeshoven

Two public student performances—a jazz concert and a choir and band performance—highlight Saint Mary’s upcoming Family Weekend.

• The Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo One launch another great season 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, in Figliulo Recital Hall, under the direction of A. Eric Heukeshoven. From familiar tunes by Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Keith Jarrett, and others, to contemporary compositions, the Jazz Ensemble’s season opener offers music for everyone. Jazz styles from the blues, jazz-rock, samba, and swing all come together to create a dynamic evening of variety. Jazz Combo One, also known as “Easy Company” this semester, will perform a tribute to jazz great Thelonius Monk with four of his most challenging original compositions. Seating is limited.

• The Concert Band and Choirs will combine talents for a 2 p.m. concert Saturday, Oct. 4, at Page Theatre. The Chamber Singers will perform works by Patrick O’Shea, Tomas Luis de Victoria, Hans Leo Hassler, and Thomas Tallis. The Concert Choir will perform works by Ludovico Viadana, Stephen Paulus, and Moses Hogan. Both choirs are directed by Dr. Patrick O’Shea. After a brief intermission, the Concert Band, under the direction of Dr. Janet Heukeshoven, will feature Bandscapes by Sy Brandon. This is a 13-movement piece that showcases every section of the band, from the clever “Flute Fandango” to “Tuba Tango” and the “Finale Variations,” which combines the entire ensemble in unique ways. Percy Grainger’s beautiful and familiar Irish Tune from County Derry will round out the concert. A reception will follow.

Tickets to both performances are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and are available at the Saint Mary’s Box Office, 507-457-1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org/events. Tickets are also available at the door.