Artist Series Events Calendar 2011-2012
Welcome to the 2011-2012 Houghton College Artist Series and a new season of topflight musical events. You can download the Artist Series brochure (PDF) here.
Friday, October 28
State Symphony Capella of Russia
The State Symphony Capella of Russia was founded in 1991, the result of a merger between the USSR State Chamber Choir under the leadership of Valeri Polyansky and the State Symphony Orchestra of the USSR Ministry of Culture, headed by Gennady Rozhdestvensky. Superb ensemble, impeccable phrasing, rich and warm sound, nobility of expression, wonderful soloists and outstanding musicality—these are the qualities that mark the State Symphony Capella of Russia. With a repertoire that spans three centuries, from Mozart to Russian masters and folk songs, Capella reaches audiences around the globe.
In addition to having performed in numerous Russian cities, the Capella has toured Spain, Hungary, France, Holland, Germany, Sweden, Canada, England, Italy, and a number of other European countries. In December of 2005, the Capella made a debut tour of the Far East, visiting Hong Kong and Mainland China as part of a Holiday Festival. Wherever the choir appears, critics take note of its flawless vocal and choral technique, beautiful sound, clear and precise intonation, and unfailing attention to text.
“The standard by which all great choruses of the world should want to be judged . . .”
-- ClevelandClassical.com
Saturday, November 19
Piffaro, The Renaissance Band
World-renowned as the pied-pipers of Early Music, Piffaro is the nation’s finest Renaissance wind band. Incorporating all manner of period instruments, including shawms, sackbuts, recorders, krumhorns, bagpipes, lutes, guitars, harps, and a variety of percussion, Piffaro seeks to recreate the rustic music of the peasantry, as well as the elegant sounds of the official professional wind bands of the late Medieval and Renaissance eras. To this end, the group is modeled after the official civic, chapel and court bands that were the premier professional ensembles from the 14th into the early 17th centuries in Europe.
Piffaro regularly performs all around the globe, having appeared at numerous concert venues and early music festivals in Germany, Austria, France, England, Belgium, Italy, the Czech Republic, Spain, and South America. In the United States, they have been presented at the Cloisters in New York, the Seattle Early Music Guild, the San Francisco Early Music Society, the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, the National Gallery in Washington, D.C., and the Pittsburgh Renaissance & Baroque.
Piffaro’s sizable discography has been met with glowing critical acclaim that has fostered the group’s international reputation.
“. . . like hearing a top-flight jazz group handing melodies around for variation and laughingly competing for prominence.” -- The Philadelphia Inquirer
“They evoke the period in all its exuberance, charm and spiritual depth.” -- The Plain Dealer (Ohio)
Friday, February 17
Caroline Goulding, violinist
Already by the age of eighteen, violinist Caroline Goulding had performed with some of North America’s premier orchestras, including The Cleveland Orchestra, Toronto Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Houston Symphony, Detroit Symphony, Louisville Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic, and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s. Additionally, she appeared in recital at Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, the Buffalo Chamber Music Society, and Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall.
In March, 2011, Caroline was awarded a prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, designed to give professional assistance and recognition to young musicians who are believed to have great potential for major careers. This prize is but the latest in a series of career milestones: in recent years she was also first prize winner in the Young Concert Artists International Auditions, as well as recipient of a GRAMMY nomination for her debut CD on Telarc.
Highlights of the 2011-12 season include debuts with the National Symphony, Milwaukee Symphony, Colorado Symphony, a number of recital debuts, and return engagements with the Dallas Symphony. This past summer she participated in the Marlboro Music Festival in Vermont.
“A violinist of impressive technical polish and musical maturity. " – Gramophone
“Already a most impressive talent with all the skills and talent an artist needs to climb to the top.”
–
Washington Times
Friday, March 16
Canadian Brass
Five tremendous brass musicians — each a virtuoso in his own right — form the legendary Canadian Brass. With an international reputation as one of the most popular brass ensembles ever, Canadian Brass has truly earned the distinction of “the world’s most famous brass group.” With a wide-ranging repertoire of brass standards as well as works spanning the Renaissance to ragtime, jazz, Broadway and Christian music as well as popular songs and standards, the Canadian Brass has created its own musical world.
An extensive world-wide touring schedule has brought this ensemble to audiences everywhere. Canadian Brass has sold well over 2 million albums worldwide, and has become legendary with its enthusiastic fan base. They were the first brass ensemble from the West to perform in the People’s Republic of China, as well as the first to take the stage at the venerable Carnegie Hall. Other tours have included Australia, the Middle East, the Soviet Union and South America. On numerous occasions, Canadian Brass has been invited by the Canadian Government to play for visiting heads of state, becoming one of Canada’s greatest resources and musical ambassadors.
Canadian Brass is known for its uniquely engaging stage presence and rapport with audiences. Whatever the style, the music is central and performed with utmost skill and excellence.
“These are the men who put brass music on the map: with their unbeatable blend of virtuosity, spontaneity and humor, they brighten the rosters of concert halls, international festivals and orchestra series throughout the world.” – The Washington Post
TICKET INFORMATION:
Adult Series Ticket |
$40/$75 couple/$80 family (includes immediate dependents 18 and under ) |
Seniors (65 and above) |
$30 / $50 couple |
HC Faculty/Staff |
$30 / $50 couple / $60 family |
HC Student |
No charge |
Non-HC Student |
$7.50/event or $20 for the series |
Single event tickets |
$15 |
