2003–2004 Festival Series
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Ballet Hispanico
Saturday, October 4, 2003
“No one struts, kicks, spins, leaps and gyrates the way they do. Their joy is infectious.” – New York Newsday
Ballet Hispanico, the foremost dance representative of Hispanic culture in the United States, makes its first appearance on the Festival Series. The company’s unique fusion of ballet, modern and Latin dance creates a spirited image of the contemporary Hispanic world. Founded in 1970 by artistic director Tina Ramirez, Ballet Hispanico tours nationally and internationally, performing at venues such as the John F. Kennedy Center and the Auditorium Theater in Chicago. With striking choreography and a deep theatrical sense, the company provides a passionate and intriguing adventure in dance. This event is presented as part of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Takacs String Quartet
Thursday, October 16, 2003
The Kobacker Concert
“If you think quartet music is bloodless and tame, think again.” – The Time, London, England
Recognized as one of the world’s greatest string quartets, the Takacs Quartet appears regularly in major music capitals and prestigious festivals. Based in Colorado, the quartet has been the ensemble-in-residence at the University of Colorado since 1983. The initially all-Hungarian quartet, now led by British-born Edward Dusinberre, received a 2003 Grammy in the Chamber Music Performance category and Gramaphone’s “Chamber Music Recording of the Year” award in 2002 and 1998. In conjunction with Bowling Green State University’s 24th annual New Music & Art Festival, the quartet will perform selections from its award-winning Beethoven and Bartók cycles, as well as a quartet they recently commissioned from featured composer Bright Sheng.
The Waverly Consort “A Christmas Story”
Friday, December 5, 2003
“Beautifully realized…an event to cherish.” – The Providence Journal
Making its second Festival Series appearance, The Waverly Consort, a 13-member ensemble of singers and players, will present a very special holiday event, “The Christmas Story.” Since the program’s 1980 premiere at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York it has become a favorite of audiences throughout North America. In the timeless pageantry of medieval church dramas, eight singers and five instrumentalists recount the events of Christmas, as told through Biblical narrative. Featured on national radio and television broadcasts, The Waverly Consort has recorded many albums, including its best-selling CBS Masterworks A Renaissance Christmas Celebration with the Waverly Consort.
Midori
Friday, February 13, 2004
The Lois M. Nitschke Memorial Concert
“A surprising level of pure physical power.” – The Washington Post
In the 2002–03 season, violinist Midori celebrated her 20th year of performing before the public and she is only 31 years old. Born in Osaka, Japan, she began studying the violin at a very early age and performed as a guest soloist for the New York Philharmonic’s traditional New Year’s Eve concert at age 11. No longer a child prodigy, but an extraordinary artist, Midori plays with a deep sense of emotion and attachment to each piece. Recipient of the coveted Avery Fisher Prize in 2001, Midori has appeared on the world’s major concert stages and on television, including a taped special at the White House with former President Reagan and the 1992 Winter Olympic Games.
Imani Winds
Thursday, March 4, 2004
The Louise F. Rees Memorial Concert
“Their invigorating approach makes a joyful noise.” – New York Concert Review
Five outstanding musicians of African-American and Latin heritage formed Imani Winds in 1996 to create an ensemble capable of pushing all the traditional boundaries of a wind quintet. As Concert Artists Guild’s first educational residency ensemble, Imani Winds offers a wide array of educational programs. Imani, literally “faith” in Swahili, embodies the ensemble’s mission: bridging the European and African musical traditions, exploring a diverse repertoire and reflecting upon their experience as classical musicians of color. Winners of the Artists International Annual New York Debut Prize, the quintet will conduct a three-day community mini-residency while in Bowling Green.
Lang Lang
Friday, April 2, 2004
“Playing the piano as though it were an entire orchestra.” – The Times, London, England
Celebrated worldwide, Lang Lang, at age 20, has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level and is proving to be one of the most exciting pianists of our time. After a last-minute substitution at the Ravinia Festival in 1999 to perform the Tchaikovsky First Piano Concerto with the Chicago Symphony, he began engagements with major orchestras around the globe. He has shown himself to be an artist of maturity and depth beyond his years. Winner of the Tchaikovsky International Young Musicians Competition and the first Leonard Bernstein Award, he has released two recordings, both hitting the Billboard charts.