Artist Series Events Calendar 2010-2011

Friday, October 8

Chanticleer

Back by popular demand! After their immensely successful appearance last season, the opportunity to return this stunning ensemble to the Artist Series stage again this year could not to be missed.

Called “America’s favorite choral ensemble” by New Yorker magazine, Chanticleer has developed an international following and reputation for impeccable musicianship, beauty of sound, and wide-ranging repertoire that reaches from Renaissance and Mexican Baroque to jazz, gospel, folk, and adventurous new music. A favorite on radio and CD, Chanticleer has made 32 recordings, including two Grammys.

Labeled “the world’s reigning male chorus” by New Yorker magazine and named Ensemble of the Year by Musical America in 2008, Chanticleer will perform more than 100 concerts in 2010-11, the ensemble’s 33rd season, including in 22 states and Canada. Spring 2010 saw Chanticleer on the major stages of eleven European countries, plus a return tour to China. Their program for Houghton, entitled “Out of this World,” presents music inspired by regions beyond and spanning five centuries, from Renaissance to jazz and newly commissioned works that promise to be . . . Out of this World! An event not to be missed.

“Chanticleer comes as close to that impossible concept called perfection as is humanly possible. …Chanticleer triumphed in everything” - Cleveland Plain Dealer

“Chanticleer fascinates and enthralls for much the same reason a fine chocolate or a Rolls Royce does: through luxurious perfection.” – Los Angeles Times

Saturday, October 23

Syracuse Symphony Orchestra

The Syracuse Symphony returns to Houghton to present an exciting All Russian Program – music of Glinka, Prokofiev, Mussorgsky, and Tchaikovsky, the latter represented by that composer’s rousing Fourth Symphony! In the words of Music Director Daniel Hegge, “We are excited about the depth and breadth of programming in store during our 50th Anniversary. The Syracuse Symphony Orchestra is an incredibly versatile orchestra comprising a terrific group of musicians who . . . present some of the finest concerts you'll experience anywhere!”

Founded in 1961, the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra has become established as a fully professional resident orchestra of national acclaim. Boasting a roster of musicians and conductors of international caliber, the ensemble performs nearly 200 orchestral and chamber concerts annually over a 39-week season.

The Orchestra performs regularly in communities outside Syracuse and frequently tours New York State; in recent years the SSO also has toured in Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and Connecticut, and has collaborated with other arts organizations such as Syracuse Opera and Upstate NY Ballet.

In his eleventh season as Music Director, Daniel Hege is recognized as one of America's finest young conductors, and has earned acclaim for his fresh interpretations of the standard repertoire and his commitment to creative programming. He has also guest conducted orchestras in Colorado, Detroit, Houston, Louisville, and Seattle, as well as in England, Singapore, Russia, Australia, and Peru.

Friday, February 4

Beijing Guitar Duo

The Beijing Guitar Duo, composed of Meng Su and Yameng Wang, is widely noted for its outstanding technique and artistry.

Ms. Su and Ms. Wang were both born in China, and met while at the Central Conservatory in Beijing. As solo players, each has won numerous international competitions and awards, and performed widely across Europe, Asia, and North America. The Duo was formally established at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2008 at the encouragement of their mentor Manuel Barrueco.

Their impressive individual talents combine to create what is one of the most exciting guitar duos on the scene today. Recipients of the Solomon H. Snyder Award, the Beijing Guitar Duo made its New York debut at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall last April, followed by recital performances in Denmark, China, Germany and the United States.

The Duo is deeply committed to developing and exploring new repertoire. Last April, they were joined by their teacher Manuel Barrueco in the premier of a new guitar trio written for them by renowned guitarist and composer Sergio Assad. Their first recording, “Maracaípe,” was released last December and contains another Assad work written and dedicated to the Duo expressly for that recording.

Saturday, March 19

Caroline Goulding, Violin

Still in her teens, violinist Caroline Goulding has already appeared as soloist with the major orchestras of Cleveland, Toronto, Detroit, Dallas, Buffalo, and Cincinnati, as well as the Atlantic Classical Orchestra and the Aspen Concert Orchestra. Along with orchestral and recital performances, Caroline has also appeared on NBC’s “Today,” National Public Radio’s “From the Top,” PBS’s “From the Top: Live from Carnegie Hall,” Sirius Satellite Radio, and WNYC New York.

After winning the coveted first prize at the Aspen Music Festival’s Concerto Competition at age 13, Alan Fletcher, President of the Aspen Music Festival, said, “Here was freshness, confidence, radiant technique and perfect optimism wrapped in sparkling beauty.” First prize winner in the 2009-2010 Young Concert Artists International Auditions held in New York, Caroline is currently the youngest artist on the YCA roster, and in the current season will present recitals in Boston, Washington DC (Kennedy Center), and New York City, as well as appearances with the Houston, Cleveland, and Toronto symphony orchestras.

August 2009 marked the international release of Ms. Goulding’s debut recording, and inclusion on Billboard Classical’s Top 15 list, as well as a Grammy nomination for Best Solo Instrumentalist and rave reviews from venerable names in the classical music world: violinist Jaime Laredo effused, “An amazing CD! …Caroline Goulding is one of the most gifted & musically interesting violinists I have heard in a long time; her playing is heartfelt & dazzling throughout.” She currently plays a 1720 Stradivarius violin, courtesy of Jonathan Moulds.

“Playing of fantastic style and flair, with an extraordinary virtuosity . . . A violinist you must hear!” -- Peter Oundjian, Music Director, Toronto Symphony Orchestra

TICKET INFORMATION:

For Ticket Information/Availability, call 585.567.9200.