ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Aberdeen University/Civic Symphony invites you to a concert celebrating American music at 7:30 p.m. April 22 at Northern State University.
The concert, which will be held in the Johnson Fine Arts Center Jewett Theater, features winners of the NSU Concerto/Aria competition: Megan Dockter (clarinet) and Eli Houdyshell (Tenor). A Pre-Concert Conversation is scheduled for 6:45-7:15 p.m. in JFAC Berggren Recital Hall.
Also on the concert is Jessica Mathaes. Mathaes is concertmaster of Austin (Texas) Symphony Orchestra, having appeared with some of the finest orchestras throughout the world. She has recorded albums for Naxos and Centaur to the acclaim of Gramophone Magazine. The New York Times hails her as “a violinist like no other.”
Mathaes will perform the Aberdeen premiere of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges’ Violin Concerto in G major. A native of Basse Terre, Guadeloupe, Saint-Georges’ music has often been overshadowed by the music of his contemporary, Mozart. His life and music are featured in the upcoming movie “Chevalier,” and Aberdeen audiences have a chance to hear his music live with AUCS for the first time.
Dr. Christopher Stanichar, Director of the AUCS, will lead the orchestra, including the iconic music used in “Beef” commercials—Copland’s “Hoe Down.” The concert ends with Dvořák’s beloved “New World Symphony” inspired by the Czech composer’s three-year residence in the United States. This program is sure to entertain and delight with great artists and great music from the New World!
Celebrating its 103rd season, AUCS is the oldest continuous orchestra in South Dakota, attracting musicians from Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa and the surrounding area. Stanichar, Assistant Professor of Music at NSU, is the 17th conductor of the orchestra.
Ticket Information
All tickets to the Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony are general admission and will be available at the door. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and NSU faculty/staff. Students will be admitted for free. Payment will be cash or check only; debit or credit cards will not be accepted. There will be no advance or online ticket sales.
The concert will also be livestreamed at the NSU Music Department Facebook page.
For more information, contact the NSU School of Fine Arts at 605-626-2497. To learn more about the orchestra, visit the AUCS webpage.
About Northern State University
Northern State University is a student-centered institution that provides an outstanding educational experience, preparing students through the liberal arts and professional education for their future endeavors. A regional university, Northern offers rigorous academics; diverse civic, social and cultural opportunities; and a commitment to building an inclusive environment for all points of view. Northern also offers a broad-based athletics program, sponsoring 15 NCAA Division II intercollegiate varsity sports that compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NSIC). The university strives to enrich the community through partnerships such as its Educational Impact Campaign, which opened a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired; new athletic and recreation fields; and an on-campus regional sports complex. With the $55 million campaign, NSU has been the recipient of more than $150 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.