Martin to perform recital of his own music and organ masses by Couperin

The Department of Music will present UB faculty member and organist/pianist Roland E. Martin in recital at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2 in Lippes Concert Hall in Slee Hall, North Campus.

Martin will be joined by colleagues from UB and the greater Buffalo community in a concert of his own works, as well as one of the two full organ masses by François Couperin. Performing with Martin will be Julia Cordani, soprano; Amy Grable, soprano; Robert Zimmerman, tenor; Robert E. Gerst III, baritone; Janz Castelo, viola; and Bryan Eckenrode, cello.

Couperin’s two organ masses, composed when he was 22, were two of his earliest works. Although they were composed for use in the typical religious setting — the first for ordinary parish use, the second for convents of monks and nuns — they were deemed by one of his most ardent supporters, Michel-Richard de Lalande, to be worthy of public performance.

Martin performed both of these masses in recital at UB several years ago, with the vocalist singing antiphonally from across the concert hall. He will perform “Messe pour les Couvents” (Mass for Convents) again this year, courtesy of a special request.

The second half of the program features Martin’s “In Flanders Fields,” “Prelude and Elegy for Gabriel” and “A Rose Beside the Water,” and will include his reflections — some very personal — on the passing of those who are loved and admired.

Martin is a member of the music faculty of Buffalo Seminary and Canisius College, as well as UB. He serves as organist/choirmaster and director of music at St. Joseph University Church in Buffalo and as artistic director of the Freudig Singers of Western New York.

An accomplished composer, Martin has more than 100 works in publication, with a number of commissions from universities, colleges, choral societies, churches and various other organizations and individuals. His “Annunciation” was premiered by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in March 2000, and “Medieval Triptych” (1994) was heard on a national television holiday season special from Washington, D.C., in 1998 and again in 2001 on PBS.

Martin has given recitals throughout the United States, including the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and has performed in Canada, Spain, France, Germany, Austria, Italy and England, as well as annual concerts in Belgium.

Tickets for the Nov. 2 recital are available through a variety of outlets at the following pricing structure:

UB faculty, staff, alumni, seniors and non-UB students

$10 plus $2 fee online at www.ticketfly.com

$10 plus $4 fee by phone at 877-987-6487 (Ticketfly)

$14 in person at the Center for the Arts (noon to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday)

$17 in person at the door (one hour before concert time)

General public

$15 plus $2 fee online at www.ticketfly.com

$15 plus $4 fee by phone at 877-987-6487 (Ticketfly)

$19 in person at the Center for the Arts (noon to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday)

$22 in person at the door (one hour before concert time)

UB students are admitted free with ID.

For a complete listing of all concerts being presented by the Department of Music, visit the department’s website.