The first West Circle Series concert of the season showcases the artistry of string, harpsichord, and piano playing.
The College of Music’s beloved Joan and Bill Church West Circle Series will be premiering at “Baroque Fest” on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 7:30 p.m. in the Fairchild Theater in MSU Auditorium. Starting the 15th season.
This Baroque-themed concert offers a rich exploration of the period’s vibrant works, showcasing a blend of original instrumentation and transcription. This concert celebrates the diversity and depth of this famous musical era, offering listeners the opportunity to experience its timeless beauty through piano, harpsichord, and string performances.
The program begins with the Violin Sonata by Arcangelo Corelli and Nicola Canzano, followed by François Couperin’s Concert Royale No. 1, which emphasizes the fusion of French and Italian musical styles characteristic of the Baroque period. The concert concludes with a selection of works by Johann Sebastian Bach, featuring works for both piano and harpsichord.
“This concert series allows us to explore the depth and diversity of Baroque and Baroque-influenced music with original works by Nicola Canzano,” said Deborah Moriarty, MSU piano professor and series director. said. “We are also pleased to introduce the MSU debut of a new member of the piano faculty, Stanislav Khristenko.”
“Baroque Fest” will feature MSU Faculty of Artists violinist Yvonne Lam. Nicola Canzano, harpsichord. and Stanislav Kristenko on piano.
Featured artists for this concert include pianist Stanislav Kristenko, harpsichordist Nicola Canzano, and violinist Yvonne Lam. Their dynamic performances bring baroque repertoire to life, blending tradition with fresh interpretation, and providing insightful commentary on music through their performances.
Other West Circle Series concerts scheduled for the 2024-25 season include:
Vive la France, Monday, Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theater in MSU Auditorium, generously sponsored by Dr. Roy and Christine Melland. Happy birthday, Mozart! Monday, Jan. 27, 7:30 p.m. Sponsored generously by Fairchild Theater, MSU Auditorium, and the Stanley and Thelma Hollander Chamber Music Fund. Whirlwinds, Monday, April 7, 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theater in MSU Auditorium, generously sponsored by April Kloves and Glenn Blau.
The Baroque Fest concert is generously sponsored by Director Emeritus Dee Cook in memory of her husband, Byron Cook. The entire West Circle series is underwritten by Joan Church and Bill Church.
Reserved seats for this concert and other concerts in the Joan & Bill Church West Circle Series are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors (60 and older), $7 for students and under 18 with valid ID, and online You can purchase it at Call us at (517) 353-5340 or drop us a line at the door. For more information on these and other events for the 2023-24 season, please visit the College of Music website.
This story originally appeared on the College of Music website.
