Arts and Entertainment

School of Music debuts new concert series

Credit: Russell Bloom / Penn StateCreative Commons

The Penn State School of Music is proud to introduce the Spotlight Concert Series, five performances throughout the school year featuring its outstanding faculty performers collaborating in varied and intriguing combinations of instruments and repertoires.

Based on the highly successful Wednesday night concerts performed as part of the "Music at Penn’s Woods Summer Orchestra Festival," the Spotlight concerts will include multiple soloists and small ensembles, performing music ranging from the compositions of baroque master Johann Sebastian Bach to newly composed works written specifically for the school’s remarkable faculty musicians.

The idea for the concert series derived from a year-long faculty discussion in preparation for writing the school’s strategic plan.

“This new recital series is one of many new ideas we are implementing to enhance and support faculty collaborative work, which is an important strategic goal,” said Sue Haug, Director of School of Music.

The concert series will also yield benefits for the School of Music far beyond the walls of the concert hall. Haug continued, “these concerts are also part of our recruitment efforts. Through our successful concert livestreaming initiative, more prospective students and their teachers will see and hear our incredible faculty performers. In addition, recordings of these performances may also be heard on our ‘In Performance at Penn State’ radio shows produced by WPSU.”

Christopher Guzman, a piano faculty member and Spotlight Concert Series coordinator, echoed Haug’s excitement.

“The faculty are eager to share these performances with our audiences, who have enthusiastically supported the Penn’s Woods summer series. We are thrilled to have this opportunity to continue performing together with our colleagues throughout the year.”

Spotlight Concerts will be held in the School of Music’s Esber Recital Hall at 8 p.m. Sept. 9, Sept. 30, Jan. 27, Feb. 17, and March 23. Ticket price for the general public is $18, $2 for students. To purchase tickets in advance, contact the Arts Center ticket office. Tickets will also be available at the door prior to each performance. Patronage of the Spotlight Concert Series provides support for music scholarships.

Last Updated August 26, 2015