More than 40 public performances dot the fall calendar at Mercer University’s Townsend School of Music
World-renowned musicians, student and faculty concerts and a range of ensemble performances make up Mercer University Townsend School of Music’s fall offerings.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be able to provide such a variety of musical experiences for the students and people in the Macon community,” said David Keith, dean of Townsend. “It’s one of the great benefits of being at a great school that appreciates the arts and the importance of the arts and the transformative power of music.”
There are more than 40 events -- many of them free -- open to the community.
The schedule kicked off Aug. 25 with the Townsend All-Faculty Gala, which is typically the only time all of the faculty perform collectively. The next big event happens this weekend when eight high school seniors come to the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings for quartet and solo coachings.
“Then they present on Labor Day a concert along with the students (and faculty) who are currently in the center,” Keith said. “That’s always a packed house.”
A concert at 3 p.m. Sept. 7 will close out this event.
Read on for more highlights of the fall music calendar.
FABIAN CONCERT SERIES
Four fall concerts -- each with its own theme and character -- highlight this McDuffie Center for Strings series that brings internationally recognized artists to town.
“Part of the McDuffie Center’s goal is not only to attract the top level string students to come study at Mercer but to bring the highest quality classical musicians to perform in Macon,” said Amy Schwartz Moretti, who directs the center. “The Fabian Series serves as a crucial component of performance in action for the students to observe and serves as a platform for our local audiences to hear international artists.”
This series kicks off Sept. 29 with “Outstanding Octets” featuring Moretti, violinist Annie Fullard and pianist Elizabeth Pridgen. The program includes Mendelssohn and Shostakovich octets.
“In October, we will add clarinet, bassoon and horn with the strings,” Moretti said in an email. “In November, we will enjoy the young Calidore String Quartet; in December, some Bach and Mendelssohn. Each concert features amazing artists, truly concerts not to be missed.”
These performances are $12 per person but free with a Mercer ID or any student ID.
JOAN STOCKSTILL GODSEY CONCERT SERIES
As an All-Steinway piano school, Mercer hosts this series to showcase leading keyboard artists.
“There are five concerts in that this year, but the only one in the fall is a duo piano,” Keith said. “Piano 4-hands is what they call it.”
The Oct. 20 concert features Pridgen and Julie Coucheron playing a variety of pieces including Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” These shows are free.
TOWNSEND PRESENTS
Featuring both faculty and guest artists, Keith said, “It’s pretty diverse program. Very eclectic.”
In the fall, guest artists will include baritone David Robinson on Oct. 1, pianist Benjamin Warsaw on Oct. 29 and saxophonist Michael Bovenzi on Nov. 3.
“One of the highlights of the year in the fall will be Deborah Popham,” Keith said of the Nov. 30 performance. “Deborah is a soprano and they are getting ready to go to Carnegie Hall to make their Carnegie Hall debut, so this will be an outstanding recital I think people will not want to miss.”
UNIVERSITY ENSEMBLES
A staple of the Townsend calendar is a mix of ensemble and solo performances from the school’s music students.
“The Mercer Orchestra performs two times in the fall,” Keith said. “There are numerous university ensembles that have fall performances including the Mercer Orchestra, Mercer Singers, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion, Brass and Flute Choir.”
There also are student recitals throughout the fall that aren’t listed in the main Townsend program. Anyone interested in attending those can contact the music office at 478-301-5751 for an updated list.
COMMUNITY PERFORMANCES
Townsend rounds out its fall calendar with some special shows including a free Mercer University Opera performance for children Sept. 25-26.
The opera students will present “A Muskrat Lullaby” with children from Vineville Academy and St. Peter Claver School.
“It’s a very enchanting story that, regardless of a person’s age, they would enjoy,” Keith said. “If history repeats itself, that’s an event where you are going to have capacity crowds.”
For more information about these or any other performances from the Townsend School of Music, including concert times and locations, visit www.music.mercer.edu/calendar or call 478-301-5470.
This story was originally published September 3, 2015 at 8:03 PM with the headline "More than 40 public performances dot the fall calendar at Mercer University’s Townsend School of Music ."