The NAU School of Music announced its Spring 2020 Horizons Concert Series featuring seven special performances. Concerts celebrate Beethoven’s 250th birthday, women composers of past and present, global artists-in-residence and vocalizations of humpback whales.
“Beethoven 250”: 4 p.m. Jan. 26
This piano sonata program features Jeffrey Swann on piano and celebrates Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday. The concert launches NAU School of Music’s yearlong celebration of the famous composer.
“Clara Schumann: For Love of You”: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17
Featuring Lara Downes on piano, this concert honors the 200th birthday of German pianist Clara Schumann. In addition, newer works by contemporary women highlight past and present women composers.
“Brazilian Choro”: 7:30 p.m. March 2
A special performance from Duo Violão + 1 celebrates Brazil’s musical art form, Choro. The trio, made of guitarists Rogério Souza and Edinho Gerber and percussionist Ami Molinelli, share cultural music through their unique rhythms, stylings and subgenres of Choro.
“Voice of the Whale”: 7:30 p.m. March 9
Swann returns with friends to perform a unique concert featuring George Crumb’s classic “Voice of the Whale.” This is a trio for electric instruments inspired by humpback whale singing and vocalizations.
“Beethoven and Beyond”: 7:30 p.m. March 27
Continuing to celebrate Beethoven, the NAU Faculty Chamber Players perform Beethoven’s Wind Octet and Serenade for flute, violin and viola. The concert also includes songs from the Golden Age of Broadway.
“Sacred Voices: The Divine Feminine”: 4 p.m. April 5
ModernMedieval, featuring director Jacquelyn Horner-Kwiatek, is an all-female ensemble that combines medieval chant and polyphony with both new- and later-era music. This concert explores the until-now overlooked music from Western sacred choral traditions written by or for nuns.
“Hindustani Classical Music”: 7:30 p.m. April 27
Rajeev Taranath shares his talent playing the sarod, a plucked lute-type instrument heard in North Indian music. He combines enchanting melodies with electrifying rhythms.
All performances take place in Kitt Recital Hall. Tickets can be purchased through the Central Ticket Office. General admission is $25 for adults and $17.50 for seniors, NAU faculty and staff. Children (17 years and under) and NAU/CCC students with a valid ID are free. Free parking is available in Lot P13 starting at 4:30 p.m. on Fridays and ending Sunday evenings. Parking passes for weekday events can be purchased through “Manage My Parking” on the University Transit Services website.