Calendar

ON CAMPUS

VOYAGES OF DISCOVERY

R.K.M. Jayanty is a chemist and distinguished fellow emeritus for RTI International as well as an adjunct professor of biological and agricultural engineering at N.C. State University. His advanced methods of measuring pollutants, which has enabled agencies to meet important regulatory goals, provide the scientific basis for international adoption of methods for pollution control and protecting human health and the environment. On Nov. 7, he comes to ECU for a talk titled “My Life Journey and Scientific Contributions to Improve Air Quality.”

Travel writer, TV personality and activist Rick Steves brings his international perspective to ECU on Feb. 20. Steves took his first trip to Europe in 1969 and has since developed his own business, Rick Steves’ Europe, writing more than 50 country, city and regional guidebooks; running a successful European tour program; hosting a weekly public radio program; and encouraging Americans to integrate themselves on a global level by broadening their perspectives through travel. His talk is titled “Travel as a Political Act.”

 

Libby Riddles was a virtually unknown musher when the 1985 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race began. When the race ended, she was an international celebrity and the first woman to win the iconic event. She finished the 1,135-mile trail in 18 days, 20 minutes and 17 seconds, three hours faster than the second-place finisher, bringing instant fame to the race and becoming an inspiration for many. She’ll be at ECU March 26 presenting “Blazing Trails with Sled Dogs: The Iditarod’s First Woman Champion.”

ON STAGE

S. RUDOLPH ALEXANDER PERFORMING ARTS SERIES

Tuvan ensemble Alash performs with Baltimore beatboxer Shodekeh. Alash are masters of traditional Tuvan instruments as well as the ancient art of throat singing, a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. Believing traditional music must constantly evolve, the musicians infuse their songs with western elements, creating their own style that is fresh and new yet true to their Tuvan musical heritage.
Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

BALLET X delivers a contemporary repertory program that celebrates the athleticism of its classically trained dancers. Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. For Valentine’s Day, Akademie Für Alte Musik Berlin performs “Beloved Baroque.” The chamber orchestra will deliver catchy tunes such as Pachelbel’s famous Canon as well as powerful music by Händel, C.P.E. Bach and Vivaldi, showcasing Sebastian Bach’s Double Concerto.
Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m.

Yamato: The Drummers of Japan features singing, dancing, martial arts and drumming. The musicians of Yamato believe their Wadaiko drums stir the hearts of mortals, enveloping audiences in “tamashy,” the basic element of life.
Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Celebrating the Music of Ray Charles has all-star band supporting an all-star cast performing the catalogue of Georgia’s native son. Take 6, Nneena Freelon, Kirk Whalum and Clint Holmes — all decorated musicians in their own right — take the stage March 13 at 7:30 p.m.

In Vitaly: An Evening of Wonders, the Canadian illusionist Vitaly Beckman melds art with trickery. He fooled Penn & Teller on their TV show “Fool Us.” An inventive entertainer, his art-based illusions are powerful and inspiring.
April 4 at 7:30 p.m.

 

FAMILY FARE

ECU Storybook Theatre will stage “Gooney Bird Greene and her True Life Adventures” Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. Gooney Bird casts herself as the hero in the most improbable, outlandish stories: how she arrived from China on a flying carpet, how she got a lovely pair of diamond earrings at the local palace, how she directed a symphony orchestra while driving through the center of town and how her beloved cat was consumed by a cow. Are they “absolutely true,” as she attests? Attend to find out!

“Maddi’s Fridge” is a thoughtful treatment of the issue of food insecurity for young audiences. Maddi and Sofia are best friends. One day Sofia discovers that Maddi has no food in her fridge at home, but Maddi makes her promise not to tell anyone and to keep it a secret. Sofia sneaks food for Maddi in her bag and discovers that while fish and eggs are good for people, they aren’t very good for backpacks. Despite Sofia’s very best efforts, Maddi’s fridge is still empty. Can Sofia find a way to keep her word but also help her best friend? Based on the book by Lois Brandt, this play is a thoughtful and funny exploration of friendship, empathy and doing the right thing. Bring a canned good for a food drive. Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. Tickets $15.

Family Fare presents “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus: The Musical.” Fresh from author Mo Willems and the creative team at the Kennedy Center, this 45-minute production is complete with song, dance, actors and puppets in a whimsical retelling of the acclaimed Pigeon book series. Jan. 17 at 7 p.m.

“Henry and Ramona” is a mashup of classic tales from children’s author Beverly Cleary. Henry wants a paper route, but the weight of the responsibility, coupled with the “help” of his friends and dog, jeopardize the enterprise. Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.

Based on the books and the TV show, “Angelina Ballerina: The Musical” will have audiences dancing in the aisles. Angelina seeks a space to shine as a distinguished guest visits Camembert Academy. From hip-hop to ballet, the students use their skills to impress and learn a lot about friendship along the way. March 20 at 7 p.m.

 

ECU/LOESSIN PLAYHOUSE

In the musical “Into the Woods”, the Brothers Grimm hit the stage with an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make. Favorite storybook characters are brought together for a timeless, yet relevant, musical and a rare modern classic. When a couple learn a witch’s curse has kept them childless, they set out to break the spell with unforeseen consequences. Rated PG-13. Nov. 20-24.

“Ghost: The Musical” is adapted from the film of the same name. Sam and Molly’s relationship takes a supernatural turn after his untimely death. Believing Molly to be in grave danger and trapped between two worlds, Sam turns to a storefront psychic, Oda Mae Brown, who helps him protect Molly and avenge his death. Feb. 19-23. Shows are nightly at 7:30 plus a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturdays. Tickets $17.50 and $10.

“The School for Scandal” by Richard Brinsley Sheridan is centered around the gossip and sexual intrigue which dominated the upper classes in 18th century England. This classic “comedy of manners” presents a sarcastic look at the questionable morality of high society. A clever and subtle comedy, the wit and ingenuity of this play will leave you in stitches. Parental advisory. April 22-26, nightly at 7:30 plus a 2 p.m. matinee Saturday. Tickets $15 and $10.

DANCE

“Fall Dance 2019” features choreography from renowned guest artists and original works by ECU faculty and students. It’s a dance concert that’s second to none. The diverse range from classical ballet, to bold contemporary, to hot jazz and explosive tap provide performances that are wide ranging and engaging. Oct. 16-20.

“Spring Dance 2020” is an exciting and eclectic lineup of ballet, jazz, tap and contemporary dance for both the newcomer to dance and the dance lover. From lighthearted, comedic styles to moods of pure passion and intensity, all can appreciate the variety of raw emotion highlighted throughout these performances. March 25-29.

 

MUSIC

FESTIVALS

The Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival presents Chamber Music Dressed Down: The Magnificent Schubert featuring Peter Wiley on cello and The Cooperstown Quartet on Oct. 12 in A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall at 5 p.m. and Oct. 13 at 3 p.m. at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church in Raleigh. Chamber Music Dressed Down: A Portrait of Two Artists with the music of Shostakovich and Brahms is presented Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Fletcher Recital Hall and Feb. 23 at 3 p.m. at Hayes Barton UMC. Free.

Four Seasons Next Generation concerts will be presented at First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18; Oct. 20 at 5 p.m. at Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte; Oct. 23 at A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 25 in Wilmington at First Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m.; and Oct. 27 at 5 p.m. at Nelson Music Room at Duke University. Free.

Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival Greenville residencies are A Tradition of Individuals featuring the music of Haydn, Schumann and Beethoven on Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m., reprised at Hayes Barton UMC in Raleigh at 3 p.m.; Cooperstown Plays Beethoven with the Cooperstown Quartet on Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. and  Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m., reprised at Hayes Barton UMC on Feb. 9 at 3 p.m.; and Songs, Dances and Tales with the music of Stravinsky, Brahms, Bruch and Arutiunian on April 16 at 7 p.m. and April 17 at 7:30 p.m.; reprised at Hayes Barton UMC on April 19 at 3 p.m. Ticketed.

Three Four Seasons Winter Workshop concerts are presented Jan. 10 at 7:30 p.m., Jan. 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 12 at 3 p.m. at A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall. Workshop faculty guest performing artists Robert McDonald, piano; Miriam Fried, violin; Paul Biss and Steven Tenenbom, viola; and Colin Carr and Michael Kannen, cello; will join ECU faculty and rising stars from throughout the world. Ticketed.

Four Seasons Features: A Look Back celebrates 20 years of the Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival on May 1 at 7:30 p.m. at A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall and May 3 at 3 p.m.at Raleigh’s Saint Mary’s School in the Smedes-Emory Parlor. Adam Neiman, piano, and Ara Gregorian, violin, will perform Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op.12 No. 3 and Franck’s Sonata in A Major for Violin and Piano. Ticketed.

North Carolina NewMusic Initiative director Ed Jacobs welcomes Jason Calloway, cello, Oct. 17. Calloway has performed to acclaim throughout North America, the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East as a soloist and chamber musician. He will perform the music of Ingrid Arauca, Mena Mark Hanna, Chinary Ung, Sydney Hodkinson, Matthias Pintscher and Luciano Berio.

The Wavefield Ensemble joins the NewMusic Initiative in A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall on Jan. 23 performing Pauline Oliveros’ 4 Pieces for Orchestra and Pierre Boulez’s Derives 2.

A world premiere NewMusic Initiative commission will happen at Fletcher on March 20 featuring the new music of composer Lei Liang. Says The Wire magazine, “One of the most exciting voices in New Music … Liang is an important musical philosopher, coming into mature expression.”

NewMusic Initiative’s Frequencies, an ensemble created and directed by students, is presented in concert Feb. 13.

Premiere Performances is presented Nov. 21, March 26 and April 7. ECU School of Music performers focus their talents on the music of ECU composers in these first-ever public world premiere performances.

The ECU Billy Taylor Jazz Festival presents ECU Jazz Ensemble “B” in Fletcher Recital Hall on April 22 at 8 p.m., the Friends of Jazz “TomtheJazzman” Scholarship Benefit Concert at The Martinsborough in Uptown Greenville on April 23 at 8 p.m., the ECU Jazz Combos at A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall at 8 p.m. April 24, and the Billy Taylor Jazz Festival Gala featuring ECU Jazz Ensemble “A” and special guests in Wright Auditorium on April 25 at 8 p.m.

The Friends of Jazz “TomtheJazzman” Scholarship Benefit Concert is ticketed. For tickets, contact 252-328-1268. All other Billy Taylor Jazz Festival events are free.

OPERA

ECU Opera Theater presents Engelbert Humperdinck’s “Hansel and Gretel” on Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m., Nov. 23, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 24, 2 p.m., at the historic Turnage Theatre, 150 W. Main St., Washington.

The Opera Theater performs Jones and Schmidt’s “The Fantasticks” at Turnage Theatre March 27 at 7:30 p.m., March 28 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and March 29 at 2 p.m. The Fantasticks, which debuted when Eisenhower was president, is the longest-running musical in history. It tells an allegorical story concerning   two neighboring fathers who trick their children, Luisa and Matt, into falling in love by pretending to feud.

Tickets to both are $5-$20. For ticket information, call 252-946-2504 or visit artsofthepamlico.org.

 

ORCHESTRA

The ECU Symphony Orchestra, Jorge Richter, conductor, is in concert Nov. 16, Feb. 8, March 7 and April 18.

All ECU Symphony Orchestra performances are at 7:30 p.m. at Wright Auditorium and are free. For information, call 252-328-6851 or visit music.ecu.edu/ensembles/orchestra.

 

BANDS AND ENSEMBLES

The School of Music presents top student performers in the ECU Concerto Competition on Dec. 3 in A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m.

The Percussion Ensemble performs with the mallets and sticks, timpani and tom toms, and cymbals and gongs in Room B110 on Oct. 24, Jan. 30 and April 9.

The Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the Concert Band and the Symphonic Band perform together for Bandorama on Nov. 14; Nov. 23 brings the ECU Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble ‘A’; the Concert Band and the Symphonic Band perform together Feb. 25 and April 16; and the Wind Ensemble performs April 21, all in Wright Auditorium. All band concerts are at 7:30 p.m.

ECU Guitar Ensemble performs Nov. 25 and April 20 in A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m.

The Friends of the School of Music Scholarship Gala, featuring all the school’s top performing ensembles, will be Jan. 25 at Rock Springs Center in Greenville at 6 p.m. For tickets or more information, call 252-328-1268.

 

CHOIRS

The ECU Chamber Singers are in concert Feb. 28 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Greenville.

The ECU Collegiate Choir performs Oct. 28 and April 6, and the ECU University Chorale and Concert Choir harmonize Oct. 21 and Feb. 24 in A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public.

All the choirs join Dec. 3 for the ECU Combined Choirs Sounds of the Season concert and April 27 for the Spring Concert. Both are at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 7:30 p.m.

GUEST ARTISTS

Guest artist Sergey Schepkin, piano, is in concert Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m. in A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall. Free and open to the public.

 

EXHIBITS

The Wellington B. Gray Gallery in the Jenkins Fine Arts Center presents the 2019 Juried Undergraduate Exhibition Oct. 4-25; the Fall 2019 MFA Thesis Exhibition Nov. 1-22; the Fall 2019 BFA Senior Exhibition Dec. 2-13 and the Material Topics Symposium Exhibitions Jan. 6-21.

The Spring 2020 MFA Thesis Exhibition is March 6-27, and the Spring 2020 BFA Senior Exhibition is April 3-24.

Items in the Keaton and Umberger Art Auction and Sale are on view Jan. 31–Feb. 15, and the auction is Feb. 15 from 6-9 p.m. Proceeds support scholarships and programs at the School of Art and Design.

Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and admission is free. The Gallery is closed for all university holidays. For information call 252-328-6665 or email graygallery@ecu.edu.