Chamber Orchestra to perform Feb. 15

The Saint Mary’s Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. David Leung, will perform “Heart Wounds. Last Spring” 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, in Figliulo Recital Hall.

The concert will feature a returning guest-artist, professor Maureen Yuen from State University of New York at Fredonia. She and Dr. Leung performed at Central Lutheran Church last year, and Saint Mary’s is excited to welcome her back to Winona to perform more works by Bach. She will be the featured soloist in Bach’s immortal “E Major Concerto for Solo Violin and Orchestra.”

In light of Valentine’s Day weekend, the Chamber Orchestra will offer two elegiac melodies by Romantic Norwegian composer Edvarg Grieg; Corelli's soulful concerto grosso for two solo violins, solo cello and orchestra; and the heart-breaking “Silouans Song” by mystical Estonian Arvo Part.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available online at www.pagetheatre.org or at the box office, Ext. 1715 Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

H3O jazz trio fundraiser for Misato student ambassadors

The father and sons jazz trio known as “H3O” will be featured at “Jammin’ at the Well” on Sunday, Feb. 8, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Wellington’s Pub & Grill (1429 Service Drive). Eric Heukeshoven of the Music Department (piano) is joined by his two sons, Hans ’14 on drums, and Max ’19 on bass.

The H3O Trio began this successful fundraiser for the Winona Area Public Schools Misato Ambassadors program in 2013 when Max Heukeshoven traveled with the group to Winona’s sister city in Japan.

Joining the trio this year is Minnesota Music Hall of Famer Les Fields with his pocket cornet. There is no cover charge for the event and rumor has it that several other well-known jazz musicians might stop by to sit in with the trio. There is no cover charge and donations will be gratefully appreciated.

For more information please contact A. Eric Heukeshoven at Ext. 7292 or eheukesh@smumn.edu.

Page Series to host puppet pirates Feb. 5

The Page Series will present the world’s only puppet, rock, yoga opera for families in search of calm during the Z Puppets Rosenschnoz production of “Monkey Mind Pirates” Feb. 5.

The epic tale, which begins at 6:30 p.m. in Page Theatre, details how a sea captain discovers the secrets to navigating the stormy seas of stress. When Captain Fitz sets out for the Legendary Waters of Calm, the unruly Monkey Mind Pirates hijack his ship with anxiety, depression and distraction. The chaos turns his ship upside down and drives the captain overboard where he meets the Wise Sea Monkey. Find out how the captain learns to turn his “Arrghs” into “Oms,” regain peace, and tame the Monkey Mind Pirates.

Based in Minneapolis, Z Puppets Rosenschnoz tours their family-friendly comedies across the country. Z Puppets artists Shari Aronson and Chris Griffith have earned many awards, including support from the Jim Henson Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Puppeteers of America and the Minnesota State Arts Board. The Monkey Mind Pirates CD is winner of an award of excellence from Creative Child magazine and featured as a top pick by Creative Play Retailer.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students and are available online at www.pagetheatre.org or at the box office, Ext. 1715, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

La Crosse Chamber Chorale concerts feature music faculty

The La Crosse Chamber Chorale will feature the talents of three Saint Mary’s music faculty in their upcoming “Prayers and Visions” concerts on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. Concerts are 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 and 3 p.m. Feb. 1. Set in the beautiful Mary of the Angels Chapel in the St. Rose Convent (901 Franciscan Way, La Crosse), the concert will include compositions by Dr. Patrick O’Shea and A. Eric Heukeshoven as well as performances by violinist Dr. David Leung.

O’Shea’s “Nocte fletuum angelis” (Night of the Weeping of Angels) was composed in memory of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012. The work was jointly premiered by The Singers and the Saint Mary’s Chamber Singers in February 2014.

Heukeshoven’s “Preghiera Semplice” (Simple Prayer) was commissioned for the Saint Mary’s Chamber Singers’ 2012 tour to Italy. The work is based on “The Prayer of Saint Francis” (“O Lord, make me an instrument of your peace …”) and received its premiere in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Dr. David Leung will be the featured guest artist in performances of Jacob Avshalomov’s setting of the Rune of Hospitality, “I Saw a Stranger Yestere’en” and in “Pietà” by Reed Criddle, inspired by Michelangelo’s famous sculpture.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students and seniors. Complete information can be found at chamberchorale.org.

‘X Factor’ finalist Tim Olstad to perform today, Jan. 23

Tim Olstad, a top 10 finalist from the third season of FOX’s “The X Factor” returns to his hometown of Winona Jan. 23 for an evening of soulful originals and cover songs that showcase the versatility of one of America’s best loved up and coming male vocalists.

The event, part of the Off the Page Series, will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Page Theatre. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students and are available at www.pagetheatre.org or at the box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

La Crosse Chamber Chorale concerts feature music faculty

The La Crosse Chamber Chorale will feature the talents of three Saint Mary’s music faculty in their upcoming “Prayers and Visions” concerts on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. Concerts are 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 and 3 p.m. Feb. 1. Set in the beautiful Mary of the Angels Chapel in the St. Rose Convent (901 Franciscan Way, La Crosse), the concert will include compositions by Dr. Patrick O’Shea and A. Eric Heukeshoven as well as performances by violinist Dr. David Leung.

O’Shea’s “Nocte fletuum angelis” (Night of the Weeping of Angels) was composed in memory of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012. The work was jointly premiered by The Singers and the Saint Mary’s Chamber Singers in February 2014.

Heukeshoven’s “Preghiera Semplice” (Simple Prayer) was commissioned for the Saint Mary’s Chamber Singers’ 2012 tour to Italy. The work is based on “The Prayer of Saint Francis” (“O Lord, make me an instrument of your peace …”) and received its premiere in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Dr. David Leung will be the featured guest artist in performances of Jacob Avshalomov’s setting of the Rune of Hospitality, “I Saw a Stranger Yestere’en” and in “Pietà” by Reed Criddle, inspired by Michelangelo’s famous sculpture.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students and seniors. Complete information can be found at chamberchorale.org.

Page Series presents Argentinean music Jan. 28

The Page Series will present a concert of Argentinean tango music featuring bandoneon star Héctor Del Curto Wednesday, Jan. 28.

The New York Times has praised Del Curto as “a splendid player” with “wistful, piercing solos on the bandoneon.” Del Curto has captivated audiences around the world as a soloist and chamber musician, sharing the stage with world-renowned tango legends, as well as with symphony orchestras and ballet companies worldwide.

The Argentinean tango has been in the Del Curto family since the early 1900s. Hector Del Curto’s great grandfather was a bandoneonist and composer, and his grandfather, also a great bandoneon player, introduced Héctor to the world of tango and the bandoneon. By the age of 17, Hector Del Curto had won the title “Best Bandoneon Player Under 25” in Argentina, and was invited to join the orchestra of the legendary Osvaldo Pugliese, the “Last Giant of Tango.”

Music will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Page Theatre. Tickets are $27 for adults, $24 for students and seniors and are available at the box office, Ext. 1715 Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

‘X Factor’ finalist Tim Olstad to perform Jan. 23

Tim Olstad, a top 10 finalist from the third season of FOX’s “The X Factor” returns to his hometown of Winona Jan. 23 for an evening of soulful originals and cover songs that showcase the versatility of one of America’s best loved up and coming male vocalists.

The event, part of the Off the Page Series, will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Page Theatre. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students and are available at www.pagetheatre.org or at the box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

Leung returns from recruiting, performing in Kenya

Dr. Chun Chim (David) Leung, Music Department, has recently returned from Kenya. He visited Tangaza University again, performing at their Christmas carols service and meeting with various faculty members and music students.  He also conducted three Christmas concerts of Vivaldi’s “Gloria” with the Saint Paul chapel choir and orchestra of University of Nairobi. The last concert on Dec. 21 was broadcast on national television to the East African countries for more than 5 million viewers.

Dance Repertory Company presents ‘The Nutcracker’

The Department of Theatre and Dance and the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) will present the Dance Repertory Company in “The Nutcracker” today through Sunday, Dec. 5-7, at the Saint Mary’s Page Theatre.

Heralding the message of peace on earth, “The Nutcracker” is performed around the globe during the holiday season. Producing this delightful ballet every other holiday season, the Dance Repertory Company once again brings this magical experience to the Winona area community for its eighth biennial production.

The 2014 cast includes over 80 members including students from Saint Mary’s, Winona State University, and children and community members from the Winona and surrounding areas.

Through this ballet the beauty of the pure, young heart shines bright in a world of dancing dolls, angels, and of course, the wonderful magical Nutcracker Prince.  In the dreams of a child named Clara, a battle wages between a band of mice and company of toy soldiers. With Clara’s assistance, the toy soldiers are victorious and grateful. A Nutcracker Prince welcomes her to the Land of Snow, where they dance with the angels, and to the Kingdom of the Sweets hosted by the Sugar Plum Fairy where she sees a beautiful array of ethnic dances such as Spanish Coffee, Chinese Tea, and Russian Baba.

“The Nutcracker” will be presented at 6:30 p.m. today, Friday, Dec. 5, through Saturday, Dec. 6, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens.

For tickets, call the box office at Ext. 1715, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit www.pagetheatre.org.

Chamber Orchestra events

The Saint Mary’s Chamber Orchestra went to Callista Court last weekend and performed “The Magical French Horn” concert program with Tammy Bartz on horn, Dr. Kyle Black (Modern and Classical Languages), and Dr. David Leung on violin. A formal concert was held Sunday in Figliulo Recital Hall.

Saint Mary’s Red Bird Club opens for one night, tonight

On Friday, Nov. 21, at 7:30 p.m. the Valéncia Studio Theatre (10th and Vila streets) will be transformed into the Red Bird Club Jazz Cabaret, showcasing the talents of Saint Mary’s student jazz musicians.

The Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo I will salute the classic American jazz cabarets of the 1940s and ’50s. Joining forces with the jazz groups will be sultry torch singer Kelsey Thurston, and talented young crooner Darvell Jones. The emcee for the evening will be Sean Vaske, and music will be led by “Professor Jazz” himself, Eric Heukeshoven.

Great arrangements of classic big band favorites such as “String of Pearls,” “Woodchopper’s Ball,” “Tico Tico,” and many others will keep toes tapping. Table seating and cash bar service will add to the ambience of the evening.

Reserve your spot at the Red Bird Club soon. Seating is limited, and you won’t want to miss this one-night-only event!

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. For tickets or more information, contact the Performance Center box office 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday at Ext. 1715 or go online to www.smumn.edu/tickets.

Saint Mary’s Chamber Orchestra concert is Sunday

The Saint Mary’s University Chamber Orchestra will perform “The Magical French Horn” 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, in Figliulo Recital Hall of the Performance Center.

Under the direction of Dr. David Leung, the orchestra will perform works by Felix Mendelssohn and contemporary Estonian composer Arvo Pärt. The event features Saint Mary’s faculty member Tammy Bartz on French horn playing Joseph Haydn’s beautiful “Concerto No. 1 in D.”  Dr. Leung will play Antonio Vivaldi's “Autumn” concerto from the Four Seasons, with Dr. Kyle Black of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages narrating the Italian and English sonnets.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available online at www.pagetheatre.org or at the Saint Mary’s Box Office, 507-457-1715 Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The orchestra will also perform for the residents of Callista Court at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Saint Mary’s ‘Lessons and Carols’ service is Dec. 6

The joyous and uplifting Christmas service of “Lessons and Carols” will be presented by the Department of Music at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6.

The beautiful service, held in the majestic Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, features the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, directed by Dr. Patrick O’Shea.

“Lessons and Carols” reflects on the Christmas story through several short readings, hymns and Christmas carols sung by the choirs and audience. Music includes familiar carols and selections by composers from the Renaissance to the present.

The Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels is located at Wabasha and Vila streets in Winona.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors and are available by calling the box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.pagetheatre.org. Tickets at the door are available by cash or check only.

­John Paulson Big Band reunites for Nov. 23 event

John Paulson’s 17-piece contemporary jazz big band returns to Winona Sunday, Nov. 23, at 6:30 p.m. They will perform two sets of all-original music at Wellington’s Pub & Grill.

The concert will feature exciting contemporary big band music composed and arranged by Paulson, who taught jazz and woodwinds at Saint Mary’s University for over 30 years. He is now professor emeritus at Saint Mary’s and an adjunct jazz instructor at Winona State University.

In addition to Dr. Paulson on saxes and flute, the ensemble  is comprised of 17 of the best jazz players and teachers in the region including trumpeter Scott Jensen of La Crosse, Wis.; Winona’s own Ray Dretske on tenor sax; alto saxophonist Brian Koser of Austin, Minn.; and an amazing rhythm section comprised of Dr. Rich MacDonald, drums; Larry Price, piano; bassist Eric Graham; and Twin Cities guitarist Scott Gerry. The program will highlight their exceptional soloing skills.

You may have heard this great band at their premiere concert at the Winona Arts Center in 2012 or at their celebrated appearance opening for the Hornheads as part of the Saint Mary’s Page Series in 2013. Their CD and DVD “The John Paulson Big Band Project” was funded by a grant from the McKnight Foundation and it is currently available on iTunes, CDbaby.com and numerous digital download sites. CDs and DVDs will be available at the concert.  Paulson’s music is published worldwide by eJazzLines.com and walrusmusic.com

There is no cover charge for the concert. Arrive early because seating will be limited. Wellingtons is located at 1429 W. Service Dr.

Conservatory presents Music Division Concert Nov. 24

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts Music Division invites the community to a fall music concert 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, in Figliulo Recital Hall.

The concert will showcase the MCA Jazz Combos (directed by Dave Gudmastad) and a variety of students who are taking private lessons at MCA. Students ranging from youth age 5 and older through adults will perform classical and contemporary works.

Admission is a freewill donation. All donations will support future programming and the MCA scholarship fund. MCA is committed to making the arts accessible to all community members.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s University, is a nonprofit organization that offers programming in dance, music, visual art, and theatre. Classes, lessons, workshops, and camps are offered for youth ages 3 and older through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center, located at 10th and Vila streets. For more information, go online to www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, email mca@smumn.edu, or call 453-5500.

Saint Mary’s Red Bird Club opens for one night, Nov. 21

On Friday, Nov. 21, at 7:30 p.m. the Valéncia Studio Theatre (10th and Vila streets) will be transformed into the the Red Bird Club Jazz Cabaret, showcasing the talents of Saint Mary’s student jazz musicians.

The Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo I will salute the classic American jazz cabarets of the 1940s and ’50s. Joining forces with the jazz groups will be sultry torch singer Kelsey Thurston, and talented young crooner Darvell Jones. The emcee for the evening will be Sean Vaske, and music will be led by “Professor Jazz” himself, Eric Heukeshoven.

Great arrangements of classic big band favorites such as “String of Pearls,” “Woodchopper’s Ball,” “Tico Tico,” and many others will keep toes tapping. Table seating and cash bar service will add to the ambience of the evening.

Reserve your spot at the Red Bird Club soon. Seating is limited, and you won’t want to miss this one-night-only event!

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. For tickets or more information, contact the Performance Center box office 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday at Ext. 1715 or go online to www.smumn.edu/tickets.

Saint Mary’s, Cotter bands to perform in fall festival Nov. 16

The public is invited to hear four bands perform beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Fall Band Festival to be held at Cotter High School’s Saint Cecilia Theatre.

Performing bands include the Cotter Concert Band and Symphonic Band, Saint Mary’s Wind Ensemble and Concert Band, plus two combined pieces with the Cotter Symphonic Band and the Saint Mary’s Concert Band.

Cotter’s Concert Band will perform “Synergies” by Robert Sheldon and “Benediction” by John Stevens; the symphonic band will perform “Hallelujah” by Johnnie Vinson and “American Riversongs” by Pierre LaPlante; Saint Mary’s Wind Ensemble will follow with “Celebration for Winds and Percussion”; and the Saint Mary’s Concert Band will perform “Prelude, Siciliano and Rondo” by Malcolm Arnold. The combined bands will round out the performance with “Rest” by Frank Ticheli and “Rough Riders March” by Karl King.

The event is free. Directors are Rick Peters and Dr. Janet Heukeshoven.

Off the Page event explores Western, Eastern music

The Saint Mary’s “Off the Page” series invites audiences to explore the intersection of Western and Eastern music with a visit from the Twin Cities-based new music ensemble Zeitgeist, with guest artist Nirmala Rajasekar on veena.“Summer Rain” is a new production, with music developed and performed by Zeitgeist with composer and veena virtuoso Nirmala Rajasekar. A blend of Indian classical music (Carnatic tradition) and Western classical new music, Summer Rain features five musical compositions interspersed with discussion and interactive opportunities designed to bring audiences a greater understanding of the two traditions.

The event is 7:30 p.m. today, Friday, Nov. 14, in Figliulo Recital Hall. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students and are available at www.pagetheatre.org or by calling the box office, Ext. 1715, Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

A Page in History event with these artists is planned for noon today, Nov. 14, at the Winona County History Center.

Recital of women's music is Saturday

Sigma Alpha Iota is pleased to sponsor a recital of women’s music on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 7:30 p.m. in Figliulo Recital Hall. Featuring the Saint Mary’s University Women’s Choir and student and faculty soloists from the fraternity, the concert honors the contributions of female composers and performers to Western music.  The program includes works by Felix Mendelssohn, Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, Anna Bon, Eleanor Daley, and Abbie Betinis. The Women’s Choir will also present the world premiere of Dale Trumbore’s “One Blue Sky.” The performance is free and open to the public.