Eastern Music Program to Host Five February Concerts

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WILLIMANTIC, CT (01/31/2018) The instrumental and vocal musical ensembles at Eastern Connecticut State University will entertain guests with a series of five concerts in the month of February. Housed in the state-of-the-art Fine Arts Instructional Center (FAIC) Concert Hall, Eastern's Music Program is proud to continually engage with the campus and local communities through concerts and recitals throughout the semester.

On Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m., Eastern Opera Workshop members and members of the English program will collaborate on a celebration of William Shakespeare's contributions to music and literature. Eastern Opera Workshop provides students with hands-on experience in stage movement, character development and scene study while exploring opera and operetta repertoire. From fair Verona to Manhattan's Upper West Side, travel the musical worlds inspired by the plays of Shakespeare.

On Feb. 7 at 3 p.m., guest musicians from Cuarto Puntos, musicians dedicated to global cooperation and peace through the writing, performance and teaching of music. Music was entirely banned in Afghanistan in 2001. For four years these musicians have partnered with Afghanistan's only music school to bring music back to a country where singing, playing and listening to music was banned only a decade ago. "The Rosegarden of Light" project was formed to help Afghanistan rebuild their centuries-old musical culture and is a peaceful reaction to the suicide bombing committed against the school in 2014, when enemies of personal expression attempted to silence the brave new musical voices of Afghanistan.

On Feb. 23 at noon, Eastern musicians and musicologist Timothy Cochran will present an hour-long tribute to Claude Debussy in recognition of the 100th anniversary of his death. Debussy (1862-1918) was a 20th-century French composer and one of the most prominent figures working within the field of impressionist music.

On Feb.24 at 2:30 p.m., student and faculty pianists will present pieces from various movies such as "Big," "The Pianist," "La La Land" and "The Painted Veil," providing an entertaining show for music lovers and movie buffs alike.

Also in February, at a date to be determined, the Straight-Up Jazz Trio will perform an evening of jazz music. The trio includes Eastern Music Professor Anthony Conrnicello, Rick O'Neal and Venlo Odom. "The trio's format is exhilerating and intimate," said Cornicello, the pianist. "It allows for spontaneity that you don't have in larger groups. Arrangements can be flexible, even altered on stage."

"These performances highlight the variety of music study occurring on our campus every day - in our studios, practice rooms and rehearsal halls," said Department Chair and Professor of Music and Voice Emily Riggs. "From opera to global percussion, whatever your interests, you are certain to find something on our calendar that excites you!"

Admission for all five concerts is free, but donations are gratefully accepted at the door. for more information, visit http://www.easternct.edu/performingarts/files/2018/01/Music-Program-Season-Calendar-ADDITIONS-SPRING-2018-FINAL.pdf

Written by Jolene Potter

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Eastern is the state of Connecticut's public liberal arts university, serving more than 5,300 students annually at its Willimantic campus and satellite locations. In addition to attracting students from 163 of Connecticut's 169 towns, Eastern also draws students from 20 other states and 29 other countries. A residential campus offering 40 majors and 65 minors, Eastern offers students a strong liberal art foundation grounded in an array of applied learning opportunities. Eastern has been awarded "Green Campus" status by the Princeton Review eight years in a row. For more information, visit www.easternct.edu.

It is the policy of Eastern Connecticut State University to ensure equal access to its events. If you are an individual with a disability and will need accommodations for this event, please contact the Office of University Relations at (860) 465-5735.