I can’t believe how quickly this semester is flying by and that November is here. Although thoughts of Thanksgiving break are looming at Fort Lewis College, we have a feast of wonderful items with which to tempt you.
Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” will open today at the FLC Main Stage Theatre.
“The Tempest” is set on a remote island where sorcerer Prospero, rightful Duke of Milan, plots to restore his daughter Miranda to her rightful place using illusion and skillful manipulation. He conjures up a storm – the eponymous tempest – to lure his usurping brother Antonio and the complicit King Alonso of Naples to the island. There, his machinations bring about the revelation of Antonio’s lowly nature, the redemption of the King and the marriage of Miranda to Alonso’s son, Ferdinand. This show, directed by Ginny Davis, will run through Nov. 11.
On Tuesday, you’ll get a chance to groove with the Fort Lewis College Percussion Department led by Dr. John O’Neal. They will present an exciting and unique evening of music for percussion.
The program will feature David Gillingham’s brutal and at times haunting composition “Sacrificial Rite” and Blake Tyson’s beautiful work titled “Vegabonds of Light.” O’Neal’s unique programming always includes something a little bit different from the usual percussion repertoire; this time, it’s Thierry de Mey’s classic “Musique de Table,” which involves percussionists sitting at a single table using their hands to create a series of sounds. Also on the program will be compositions by Gomez, Harrison and Trevino.
Thursday will be our 20th Honor Choir! High school singers from around the area sent in auditions to be part of this large choral event led by our director of choral activities, Dr. Charissa Chiaravalloti.
We have 125 singers coming for this event, 42 of whom were chosen to be part of the Honor Chamber Choir. They will arrive Thursday morning to rehearse together in preparation for the free concert at 5:30 p.m.
Part of the day will consist of a solo contest during which one outstanding singer will be chosen to sing his or her solo in the evening concert. The Fort Lewis Choirs will start the concert, followed by the Honor Chamber Choir, soloist and ending with the full Honor Choir. Come see what these young musicians can accomplish as a large group with only one day preparing together; you’ll be amazed.
Opening at the FLC Art Gallery with a reception at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 11 will be “Tri Process: Graduating Graphic Design Majors Exhibition.” Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Come by and take a look at what these graduating students have produced.
blaylock_sl@fortlewis.edu Shauna Blaylock is the publicist/event coordinator for the Fort Lewis College Music Department (www.fortlewis.edu/music).
Mark your calendars
These shows will be held at Fort Lewis College:
Nov. 17: Sarah Vowell. Vowell is a New York Times best-selling author, “This American Life” editor and commentator and frequent guest on “The Daily Show.”
Nov. 20: Estampas Porteñas Tango, a Buenos Aries tango company, present their newest production, “Desoes...Stories of Longing and Desire told through Argentine Tango and Music.” Will be held at the Community Concert Hall.
Nov. 29: Fort Lewis College Jazz Ensemble, and our newest group, The Pan-American Ensemble. The Jazz Ensemble will perform a varied program, highlighting a number of musical styles. Included on the program is March Majestic, a tribute by Bob Mintzer to the New Orleans jazz tradition, Dan Gailey’s Widow’s Walk, Thad Jones’ Big Dipper and John LaBarbera’s classic arrangement of Cotton Tail. The Pan-American Ensemble, led by Dr. M. Brent Williams, is divided into three mini sets, each representing a different genre. Will be held at the Community Concert Hall.
Nov. 30: Scenes from the Musical Stage led by voice instructor Dr. Kerry Ginger. 7 p.m. in Roshong Recital Hall. Soloists from both the voice studio and the newly formed Scenes troupe will perform art song and musical theater selections.
Dec. 2: Annual holiday concert. Just a couple of items that will be performed are: Vivaldi’s “Gloria” performed by the concert choir and the chamber orchestra, and Eriks Esenvalds’ “Stars” performed by the chamber choir.
Purchase tickets for Concert Hall events at www.durangoconcerts.com, 247-7657, or at the Durango Welcome Center on the corner of Eighth Street and Main Avenue.
