PULLMAN, Wash. — The Washington State University Performing Arts Gala, organized by the School of Music and Theatre Arts, is set for 7:30 p.m. March 28 at Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum.
The free program begins with a preconcert performance by Nuthouse, the WSU improvisational theatre troupe consisting of theatre majors and members of STAGE, the undergraduate theatre students’ organization.
David Jarvis’ “Fanfare from Celebratory Music” follows, performed by the WSU Trumpet Ensemble and conducted by David Turnbull. The trumpet ensemble, which tours annually, performs at numerous university events, including Commencement.
Rogers and Hammerstein’s “Hello Young Lovers,” arranged by Horace Young, will be performed by Jazz Northwest. The faculty group plays music written exclusively by its members throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Next is a performance of vignettes from “The Colored Museum,” a play written by George C. Wolfe and directed by Phyllis Gooden-Young. It includes scenes such as “Cookin’ with Aunt Ethel,” “The Gospel According to Ms. Roj” and “LaLa’s Opening.”
Pablo de Sarasate’s “Navarra, Op. 33,” conducted by L. Keating Johnson, will be performed by the WSU Symphony Orchestra. The piece features student violinists Shelley Potter and Matthew McLin.
The program continues with Gioacchino Rossini’s “La Regata Veneziana” and “La Pesca” from “Serate Musicali.” The piece features Julie Anne Wieck, soprano; Sheila Converse, mezzo-soprano; and Jill Schneider, piano.
“Ghost Train,” conducted by Johnson, will be performed by the WSU Wind Symphony. The work, written by Eric Whitacre, represents an old steam locomotive coming to life again in the desert Southwest.
Following an intermission is a performance of “The Secret Garden,” directed by Wieck and conducted by Johnson. The script and lyrics, written by Marsha Norman, were based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. An orphaned and lonely little girl sent to live with her reclusive uncle discovers a secret garden.
Next, the Crimson Revue will perform Bobby Caldwell’s “The Real Thing” and Lennon and McCartney’s “Got to Get You into My Life.” Young, Crimson Revue director, arranged both pieces. Gooden-Young choreographed dancers from the School of Music and Theatre Arts dance classes for the performance.
The Solstice Woodwind Quintet will perform Jacques Ibert’s “Allegro” from “Trois Pièces Brèves” and Anton Reicha’s “Finale” from “Bläserquintett, Op. 88, No. 2.”
Following, the Madrigal Singers will perform “Hark, All Ye Lovely Saints,” “When to Her Lute Corinna Sings” and “Fair Phyllis I Saw Sitting All Alone.” The 23 singers, conducted by Lori Wiest, are one of six vocal ensembles within the music school. They perform vocal chamber music from all centuries in costumes reminiscent of the Renaissance era.
The WSU Jazz Big Band, directed by Gregory Yasinitsky, will perform Jeff Jarvis’ “Quasi Modal,” composed for the band.
Next is a scene from Joshua Carter’s “Deconstructing Eve,” directed by Jay Secatello. Carter, a WSU student, was regionally recognized for his one-act play.
The final performance is Yasinitsky’s “A Statement of Principles.” Johnson will conduct the WSU Wind Symphony, Concert Choir, University Singers, Madrigal Singers and Cougar Marching Band for the piece.
shmp148-01
