The MSU College of Music is proud to present an evening of works by the Last of the German Romantics, Richard Strauss. A daring composer and conductor, Strauss brought German romanticism into the 20th Century. The concert will take place on Monday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m. in Fairchild Theatre, MSU Auditorium, and will feature MSU faculty artists and students.
This first concert of the West Circle Series of 2018-19 features Strauss who was born in 1864 to a musical household. Following in his father’s footsteps, young Strauss dedicated his life to music, and at the age of 18 had already composed over 140 works including various vocal, chamber, and orchestral works. Two years later he made his conducting debut with the Meiningen Orchestra conducting the premiere of his piece Suite for 13 Winds. As Strauss worked his way up in the musical world he was moved towards the theatrical side of music and began composing more symphonic poems and operas.
Melanie Helton, soprano, will be singing several lieder and art song poems with accompaniment from Zhihua Tang, piano. Suren Bagratuni will perform Cello Sonata, a piece Strauss composed at age 19, with Ralph Votapek, piano. To conclude the concert, Kevin Sedatole will conduct Suite for 13 Wind Instruments in B flat major Op 4, performed by MSU students.
Additional upcoming West Circle Series Concerts include:
“Tonight,” a Tribute to Leonard Bernstein
Monday, November 5th, 7:30 p.m. Fairchild Theatre
Happy Birthday Mozart!
Monday, January 28th, 7:30 p.m. Fairchild Theatre
The King of Song, Franz Schubert
Monday, April 1st, 7:30 p.m. Fairchild Theatre
Joanne and Bill Church sponsor the West Circle Series. Special thanks to Byron and Dee Cook for making this performance possible.
Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors (age 60 and older), and $7 for students with ID and anyone under 18, and can be purchased online (music.msu.edu), at the College of Music box office, by calling (517) 353-5340, or in person (333 W. Circle Drive, East Lansing), or at the door.
