Concerts to feature Beethoven’s works for cello, piano

“Beethoven, Period” is the theme — and title — of the next two concerts in the Slee/Visiting Artist Series presented by the Department of Music.

The concerts, featuring cellist Matt Haimovitz and pianist Christopher O’Riley performing Beethoven’s complete works for cello and piano, will take place at 8 p.m. Dec. 1 in the Mary Seaton Room in Kleinhans Music Hall and at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 in Lippes Concert Hall in Slee Hall, North Campus.

Admission for both concerts, co-sponsored by the Buffalo Chamber Music Society, are $15 for general admission, $10 for UB faculty/staff/alumni, seniors and non-UB students, and free for UB students with ID.

Renowned as a musical pioneer, Haimovitz is associate professor at the Schulich School of Music at McGill University in Montreal. Critics say he brings a fresh ear to familiar repertoire, champions new music and initiates groundbreaking collaborations.

Acclaimed for his engaging and committed performances, O’Riley is known to millions as the host of NPR’s “From the Top.” His repertoire ranges from pre-baroque to present-day.

Also appearing at UB in December are visiting artist Nicholas Isherwood and visiting ensemble VoxNova Italia.

Isherwood, a bass baritone, will perform contemporary works for solo voice and electronics in “Project Isherwood,” a concert taking place at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 in Baird Recital Hall, 250 Baird Hall, North Campus. Among the works he will perform is “Black Fire/White Fire” by UB faculty member David Felder.

Isherwood also will perform as part of VoxNova Italia, an ensemble of soloists performing the works of the greatest composers of vocal music of our time. VoxNova will perform contemporary works for vocal ensemble, including Felder’s “La Dura Fría Hora,” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 in Lippes Concert Hall.

Tickets for both concerts, co-sponsored by the Robert and Carol Morris Center for 21st Century Music, are $15 for general admission, $10 for UB faculty/staff/alumni, seniors and non-UB students, and free for UB students with ID.

VoxNova Italia also will perform the works of UB graduate student composers at a composer workshop at 10 a.m. Dec. 6 in Lippes Concert Hall.