ROCHESTER, NY — The Eastman School of Music celebrates its past, present and future on October 20-22 with Eastman Weekend, a three-day event that combines Alumni Weekend, Family Weekend, and Eastman Community Music School Open House. The weekend offers a unique opportunity for Eastman’s vast, interconnected community – which includes the Rochester general public – to come together and enjoy all things Eastman.
In addition to several concerts, workshops, and presentations, Eastman will honor two notable luminaries of the School’s history. On Saturday, October 21, Eastman will unveil a portrait of Professor Emeritus John Maloy, who has served the School as a member of the voice faculty for four decades. Additionally, Eastman will honor Professor Emeritus Sidney Mear with the 2006 Alumni Mentor Tribute for his remarkable musicianship and devotion to teaching – only the second time in the School’s history that this award has been given.
Highlights of the weekend, which include several concerts and events that are open to the public, are listed below. For more information, visit www.esm.rochester.edu/eastmanweekend or call 274-1110.
PUBLIC CONCERTS AND RECITALS:
(All free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted)
Eastman Wind Ensemble Concert
Friday, October 20, 8 p.m. Eastman Theatre, 26 Gibbs Street Under the direction of Mark Davis Scatterday, the renowned Eastman Wind Ensemble performs on the meticulously renovated, acoustically-enhanced Eastman Theatre stage.
Annual Woodwinds Recital
Saturday, Octrober 21, 10:30 a.m. Ciminelli Formal , 100 Gibbs Street
Come join the first year winds students, coached by Anne Lindblom Harrow, for their debut recital of the year.
Chorale Concert
Saturday, October 21, 2 p.m. Kilbourn Hall, 26 Gibbs Street
Under the direction of William Weinert, this select ensemble of singers will perform a program of Mozart’s choral works including Venite populi; Ave Verum Corpus; Exultate, jubilate; and Vesperae solennes de confessore.
Eastman Student Recitals
Saturday, October 21, 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Ciminelli Formal Lounge, 100 Gibbs Street
Enjoy the diverse talents of current Eastman students as they play their favorite solo and chamber pieces.
Eastman Philharmonia Concert
Saturday, October 21, 8 p.m. Eastman Theatre, 26 Gibbs Street
Under the baton of Neil Varon, Eastman’s premiere orchestra will give the world premiere of Foils for Orchestra (Hommage à Saint George), a work specially commissioned by the Hanson Institute for American Music and composed by Pulitzer Prize-winning alumnus George Walker.
Eastman Jazz Ensemble
Sunday, October 22, 3 p.m. Eastman Theatre, 26 Gibbs Street
One of the world’s finest collegiate jazz performing organizations, and frequent recipient of Down Beat’s "Best Big Band" annual Student Music Award, the Eastman Jazz Ensemble will perform on the Eastman Theatre state under the direction of Bill Dobbins. Joining the Eastman Jazz Ensemble will be the New Jazz Ensemble, playing music not often heard or yet recorded, under the direction of Dave Rivello.
Kopelman Quartet
Sunday, October 22, 3 p.m. Kilbourn Hall, 26 Gibbs Street
Led by Mikhail Kopelman, Eastman Professor of Violin, the quartet will perform an all-Shostakovich program in celebration of the composer’s centenary. (Tickets $18-$8; call 454-2100 for more information.)
EVENTS OF NOTE (all free and open to the public):
Organ as Art: The Memorial Art Gallery Fountain Court Collection
Friday, October 20, 1:30 p.m and Saturday, October 21, 11:30 a.m. Memorial Art Gallery
The University’s Memorial Art Gallery is now home to a fully restored Italian Baroque organ installed in the Herdle Fountain Court. Nancy Norwood, Curator of European Art, discusses the impact of the installation of the organ and concurrent reinstallation of Baroque art, followed by a performance on the restored organ by an Eastman musician.
Entrepreneurial Activity at Eastman
Friday, October 20, 2:30 p.m. Kilbourn Hall, 26 Gibbs Street
Hear from Dr. Ramon Ricker, Senior Associate Dean for Professional Studies, Director of the Institute for Music Leadership, and Professor of Saxophone, about the Institute for Music Leadership’s programs and current projects. Topics will include exciting news about the New Venture Challenge and about Polyphonic.org, a new Eastman online presence that provides a wealth of resources to orchestra players around the nation.
John Maloy Portrait Unveiling
Saturday, October 21, 10:15 a.m. Cominsky Promenade, 26 Gibbs Street 2 nd Floor
Renowned professor of voice John Maloy retired at the close of the 2006 academic year. Join in the celebration of his four decades of teaching as his official portrait is unveiled on Cominsky Promenade.
Reconnecting with Prep. Department Alumni
Saturday, October 21, 1:00 p.m. Messinger Hall, 10 Gibbs Street
Prep Department Alumni are invited to reunite and reminisce with classmates and faculty in Messenger Hall, the new home of Eastman Community Music School.
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