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  Mario Caroli is among the few artists who can play both a classical concerto and a complex, contemporary piece with the same vitality and virtuosity.

By SUE WUETCHER

Published: March 29, 2012

The Slee Sinfonietta, UB’s professional chamber orchestra in residence, will kick off the Department of Music’s concert offerings for April with a performance highlighting the works of UB graduate composers, past and present.

The April concert schedule also includes a rare appearance by Italian flutist Mario Caroli and a performance by noted percussion ensemble Talujon.

The Slee Sinfonietta, to be conducted by Daniel Bassin, music director of the UB Symphony Orchestra, will perform at 7:30 p.m. April 3 in Lippes Concert Hall in Slee Hall, North Campus.

 The program will feature pieces by Nathan Heidelberger, Jacob Gotlib, J.T. Rinker, David Hanner and Sofia Gubaidulina.

The flagship ensemble of the Robert and Carol Morris Center for 21st Century Music, the Slee Sinfonietta presents a series of concerts each year that feature performances of challenging new works by contemporary composers and lesser-known works from the chamber orchestra repertoire.

Founded in 1997 by UB composer and faculty member David Felder, and comprised of a core group that includes UB faculty performance artists, visiting artists, national and regional professionals, and advanced performance students, the group is conducted by leading conductors and composers.

Italian flutist Mario Caroli will perform Salvatore Sciarrino’s “L’opera per flauto,” a piece for solo flute, in two parts: part one at 4 p.m. April 20 in the Lightwell Gallery in the UB Art Gallery in the Center for the Arts, and part two at 7:30 p.m. April 21 in Baird Recital Hall, 250 Baird Hall. Both venues are located on the North Campus; admission is free.

The concerts are co-sponsored by The Robert & Carol Morris Center for 21st Century Music.

Recipient of the coveted “Kranichsteiner Musikpreis” (Kranichstein Music Prize) when he was just 22-years-old, Caroli has since enjoyed a highly successful solo career as one of the most remarkable flutists of his generation. The conception of his programs and his wide repertoire show an absolute authentic and personal approach to the profession. Caroli belongs to the small circle of artists who are able to play a classical concerto, as well as the most complex contemporary piece, with the same vitality and virtuosity. He is the only contemporary flutist to have performed on monographic concerts the complete works for the flute by Sciarrino, Ferneyhough and Jolivet.

The Center for 21st Century Music also is co-sponsoring the April 24 concert of percussion ensemble Talujon at 7:30 p.m. in Lippes Concert Hall. The group will will perform Gérard Grisey’s hour-long “Le Noir de l’Étoile” (Black of the Star) (1989-90) for six percussionists, magnetic tap and retransmission in situ of astronomical signals. The group, comprised of Ian Antonio, Matthew Gold, UB faculty member Tom Kolor, Michael Lipsey and Matt Ward, will be will be joined by guest artists and UB student Melanie Voytovich.

Talujon also will present a composer workshop at 1 p.m. April 23 in Lippes Concert Hall. It is free and open to the public.

Described by The New York Times as an ensemble possessing an “edgy, unflagging energy,” Talujon has been performing since 1990. Ensemble members are committed to expanding the contemporary percussion repertoire, as well as educating and diversifying its worldwide audience.

Talujon has commissioned dozens of new works for percussion quartet over the past 20 years.

Advance tickets for the Slee Sinfionetta and Talujon are $12 for the general public; $9 for UB faculty, staff, alumni and senior citizens; and $5 for students.  At the door, tickets are $20, $15 and $8. Tickets can be purchased at the Slee Hall box office, at the Center for the Arts box office and at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Ticketmaster.com.