Wheaton College Artist Series Opens 2015-2016 Season
The Wheaton College Artist Series will open its season on Saturday, September 26. This year, the Artist Series offers five main series events featuring world-class musicians performing in Edman Chapel, with pre-concert talks and post-concert receptions to complement the main musical experience. Three bonus events feature additional formats and venues.
"These events celebrate all that is valuable about the live performing arts," says Wheaton College Artist Series General Manager Dr. Tony Payne. "We will celebrate collaboration, when artists join their talents to produce something new and beautiful. We will celebrate community, sharing the music that is near and dear to our hearts. And we will celebrate the continuity of sixty-five years of live music of the highest caliber here in the heart of DuPage County."
This season's events are as follows:
Opening Night: By George! An all-Gershwin evening
Sylvia McNair, soprano with Camerata Chicago
Saturday, September 26
Edman Chapel, 7:30 p.m.
Two-time Grammy Award winner and regional Emmy Award winner Sylvia McNair lays claim to a three-decade, stellar career in the musical realms of opera, oratorio, cabaret and musical theater. Her journey has taken her from the Metropolitan Opera to Ravinia Festival, from the pages of the New York Times to the London Times and the cover of Cabaret Scenes. Camerata Chicago and its music director, Drostan Hall, are making their third appearance on the Artist Series. Prior to the concert, at 6:15 p.m., the Artist Series hosts a free Opening Night Festival in Edman Plaza.
Soweto Gospel Choir
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Edman Chapel, 7:30 p.m.
Since its formation in 2002, Soweto Gospel Choir has performed to audiences all over the world. In their native South Africa, the choir has on many occasions performed for, and celebrated with, two of their biggest fans: their patron, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the father of their nation, Nelson Mandela. Following Mandela's recent passing, the choir has been honored to participate in services around the world celebrating and commemorating his life. The award-winning 24-strong choir celebrates the unique and inspirational power of African gospel music through their joyful performances.
Xuefei Yang, Classical Guitar
Friday, February 5, 2016
Edman Chapel, 7:30 p.m.
Born following the Cultural Revolution, an era where Western music and instruments were banned, Xuefei Yang (Fei) became the first guitarist in China to enter a music school and the first to launch an international professional career. Yang has performed concerts in 40 countries throughout the UK, Europe, Asia and North America and is now acclaimed as one of the world's finest classical guitarists. Her latest CD, Heartstrings, was released in June 2015.
Naughton Sisters, Duo Pianists
Friday, March 18, 2016
Edman Chapel, 7:30 p.m.
The Naughton sisters have been hailed by the San Francisco Examiner for their "stellar musicianship, technical mastery, and awe-inspiring artistry." They have captivated audiences throughout the globe with the unity created by their mystical musical communication.
Les Violons du Roy with Alexandre Tharaud, Piano
Friday, April 15, 2016
Edman Chapel, 7:30 p.m.
Les Violons du Roy takes its name from the renowned string orchestra of the court of the French kings. The group specializes in the vast repertoire of music for chamber orchestra, performed in the stylistic manner most appropriate to each era. Alexandre Tharaud has distinguished himself as one of France's leading pianists. He has performed internationally for more than two decades and has produced numerous award-winning releases.
Ticket prices are $45 for general audience, $40 for seniors over 60 as well as Wheaton College faculty, staff and retirees, and $10 for students. Discounts for students, senior citizens, and groups of 20 or more are available. Free pre-show events start at 6:30 p.m., and each event is followed by a reception.
In addition to "Harps & Riddles: My Life in the Arts," a lecture by Wheaton College Conservatory Dean Emeritus Harold Best (which can be viewed on the Wheaton College YouTube channel), bonus events include Jazz in January, an evening of jazz standards performed by local legends and Wheaton College faculty January 22 in Coray Alumni Gymnasium, and Agape Ringers, a performance of handbell music April 29 in Pierce Chapel. Both events begin at 7:30 p.m., and ticket price is $20 for general audience and $10 for students.
Tickets for all Artist Series concert events can be purchased online, by phone, in person at the ticket office, or at the door. For more information or to order tickets, call the Ticket and Information Office at 630.752.5010 or visit artistseries.org.