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Acclaimed Composer Amram
To Be Guest Artist At TWU
10/18/04
DENTON —
The man the Boston Globe calls “the Renaissance man of American
music” will combine education and entertainment — as
well as the world premiere of a work for children — during
a weeklong residence at Texas Woman’s University.
David Amram, one of the
most acclaimed composers of his generation, will be TWU’s
composer in residence Oct. 24-28. All events are free and open to
the public.
The week will begin Sunday,
Oct. 24 with an open rehearsal of the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra
from 2:30 to 5:30 in TWU’s Margo Jones Performance Hall, located
at Pioneer Circle and Oakland Avenue. TWU flute professor Dr. Paula
Youngblood will perform Amram’s jazzy flute concerto, “Giants
of the Night,” with Amram conducting.
The piece, which pays
tribute to legendary greats Charlie Parker, Jack Kerouac and Dizzy
Gillespie, was premiered by James Galway in New Orleans in 2002.
Youngblood got in touch with Amram to request the music, and the
composer offered to come to Denton.
Youngblood readily accepted.
She and Dr. James Chenevert,
chair of TWU’s music department, discussed ways in which to
involve the largest number of students in Amram’s visit. They
looked at other pieces he’d written, and the plans expanded
to include community and school groups.
While in Denton, Amram
will address Denton’s Vintage Jazz Society meeting and visit
Denton High School and Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, where he
will work with the Woodrow Wilson All-Star Choir in preparation
for the choir’s world premiere of Amram’s “Three
Songs for Young People.” The concert, scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 27 in TWU’s Margo Jones Performance Hall,
also will feature performances by the TWU Concert Choir, Mixed Ensemble
and Spring Ensemble. Amram will be featured at the piano with the
TWU Wind Ensemble for En Memoria de Chano Pazo.
His visit will conclude
Saturday, Oct. 30 at Memorial Auditorium in Wichita Falls. Amram
will conduct the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra and Youngblood,
its principal flutist, in a concert featuring “Giants of the
Night.” For ticket information, call (940) 723-6202.
“I’m so excited
to be performing this piece,” Youngblood said. She has looked
forward to performing it since its premiere two years ago, and says,
“I can’t believe it’s finally happening.”
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For Further Information
Contact:
Karen Treat
Senior Copywriter
Tel: (940) 898-3456
e-mail: ktreat@twu.edu
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