Sep. 26, 1996-Vol28n05: Outstanding Musicians: Alumni music stars to give Sesquicentennial concert

Outstanding Musicians: Alumni music stars to give Sesquicentennial concert

By PATRICIA DONOVAN
News Services Editor

Sesquicentennial Music Alumni Concert featuring performances by several of the University at Buffalo's most outstanding music performance alumni-stars of international stature who have earned critical acclaim for their artistic and technical virtuosity, innovative musical style and consistently excellent level of performance-will be held at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, in Slee Concert Hall on the UB North Campus.

The concert, in celebration of the university's 150th birthday, will be sponsored by the UB Department of Music and Sesquicentennial Committee.

Performers will include James Vandemark ('76), critically applauded as one of the most brilliant virtuosi ever to perform on the double bass, and pianist Anthony de Mare ('83), an astonishing, creative artist recognized throughout the world as a leading exponent of 20th-century music.

Also performing will be soprano Laura Aikin ('86), a prize-winning operatic performer and member of the Deutsch Staatsoper Berlin, where she has performed a broad range of roles under the direction of Daniel Barenboim. Aikin is recognized here and abroad for her operatic roles, her concert and lieder performances with the world's leading orchestras, and for a repertoire that ranges from Baroque to works of the most contemporary composers.

The brilliant Castellani-Andriaccio gui tar duo-Joanne Castellani ('74, '76) and Michael Andriaccio ('74, '76)-is on the program as well. The duo, which has a reputation for varied and innovative programming, is known as staunch proponents of new music. It has been widely and internationally praised by critics as one of the elite chamber ensembles on the music scene today.

Also performing will be the Amherst Saxophone Quartet (Stephen Rosenthal, '87; Salvatore Andolina, '80; Harry Fackleman, '87, and Russ Carere), now in its 20th season of international concert performances. The group maintains a permanent repertoire ensemble of the highest international caliber and works with composers to develop a 20th- and 21st-century repertoire for saxophone quartet to rival that of the contemporary string quartet. The quartet, which has recorded on three labels, has performed in the U.S. from Maine to Hawaii and in 1993 added Japan to its touring list.

Finally, the UB Wind Ensemble and UB Choir, under the direction of conductor Sarah McKoin, will present a performance of "Celebration" by Lukas Foss, a work commissioned for the UB sesquicentennial.

Tickets for the event are $10 (general admission) $8 (UB faculty, staff and alumni), $5 (senior citizens), $4 (students).

Tickets may be obtained from the UB Center for the Arts ticket office (645-ARTS) from noon to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, or from any Ticketmaster location (Kaufmann's, Movies Plus or Music Plus stores or at 852-5000).