Collage XXXII - Saturday, January 17, 2009

If you have experienced Collage, the School’s annual showcase of talent representing all genres, then you already have your tickets and the date marked on your calendar in ink.

If you have not experienced Collage, you don’t know what you’re missing. It is, by some accounts, the most exciting concert, bar none, of the entire season at the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Here’s a chance to see the full range of artistic expression going on at the School in one evening, in one concert.

Here’s how it works: in a series of short performances, back to back, one after another, boom boom boom, you will see and hear a jazz combo, a theatrical monologue, a string quartet, a saxophone ensemble, an opera solo, a trio of dancers. Applause is held until the end. There is one intermission.

All of the energy and spark and inspiration of what’s going on at the School of Music, Theatre & Dance is on display on this one stage on this one night. It is an exhilarating experience. It will leave you breathless.

Some teasers from this year’s program:

• New York Counterpoint, a dance performance with music by minimalist composer Steve Reich.
• Slalom by UM composition alum Carter Pann, inspired by the thrill of downhill skiing.
• Praise the Lord of Heaven, a glorious rendition of this masterwork by Ralph Vaughan Williams, by the University Choir and Chamber Choir.
• A short snippet from the musical Rent.
• Monkey Chant, a solo for drums.
• Wagner’s Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral performed by the University Symphony Band.
• A saxophone ensemble performing Debussy’s The Girl with the Flaxen Hair.
• A scene from Pride and Prejudice by theatre and drama students.
• A quartet of cellos performing Fandango by graduate student composer Jeremy Crosmer.
• An excerpt by Bach on organ.
• Celebration Jig with Ellen Rowe’s Jazz Ensemble.
• The Finale from Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5.

Could it get any better? We don’t think so. Don’t kick yourself for missing this one. Collage is Saturday, January 17 at 8PM at Hill Auditorium.  Tickets are available NOW at the League Ticket Office, 734-764-2538.