ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony invites the public to a concert blending French and American influences at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 9 at Northern State University’s Johnson Fine Arts Center Jewett Theater.
Christopher Stanichar, director of the AUCS and NSU associate professor of music, will lead the orchestra. The concert, titled “An American in Paris,” features an enchanting mix of French composers inspired by American jazz, as well as American composers influenced by French music. The program includes iconic works such as Maurice Ravel’s Bolero and George Gershwin’s an American in Paris. Other selections by Jacques Offenbach, Gabriel Fauré, and Lili Boulanger will highlight the French love of color and dance.
The final two works on the program are Claude Debussy’s haunting Première Rhapsodie and Artie Shaw’s Clarinet Concerto. Audrey Miller, NSU associate professor of clarinet and chair of the Department of Music, is the soloist for these selections. Miller is renowned for her performances in Belgium, Germany and across the U.S. As a D’Addario Woodwind and Conn-Selmer artist/clinician, Miller has earned a reputation for her enthusiasm and brilliance as both an educator and performer, creating a strong connection between students and their instruments.
Celebrating its 105th season, the AUCS is the oldest continuous orchestra in South Dakota, attracting musicians from Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa and the surrounding region. Stanichar is the 17th conductor of the orchestra.
Tickets for the Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony are general admission and available at the door. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and NSU faculty/staff. Students are admitted free. Payment is by cash or check only; debit or credit cards will not be accepted. There are no advance or online ticket sales.
For more information, contact the NSU School of Fine Arts at 605-626-2497.