Pangelic, a harp and steelpan duo, opens Norris' 40th anniversary season
On Sunday, Dec. 17, the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles will launch its 40th anniversary season of events with Pangelic, featuring harpist Faye Seeman and steelpan virtuoso Liam Teague. The concert will begin at 3 p.m. in the center's art gallery, 1040 Dunham Road in St. Charles.
Pangelic offers audiences a fresh and exciting blend of sonorities rarely heard in the world of music. Seeman and Teague perform original compositions, jazz standards and classics - along with some familiar holiday tunes of the season.
Tickets, which are $18 or $12 for students, are available by calling (630) 584-7200 or online at norris-cultural-arts.ticketleap.com/pangelic/.
The season will continue at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14, with "The Fine Things of Youth: Willa Cather's Lucy Gayheart in Words and Music." the "Music in the Gallery" presents a classic story of love and loss - that incorporates art songs of Schubert - in the Midwest premiere of a new two-person play based on Willa Cather's coming-of-age classic, "Lucy Gayheart." St. Charles native Evan Bravos brings the story and songs to life, along with Jill Anderson as Lucy and pianist Shannon McGinnis.
At 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, enjoy a concert by the University of Michigan Men's Glee Club. Founded in 1859, the Glee Club is renowned for its wide musical repertoire, ranging from Renaissance motets, romantic anthems, opera choruses, folk songs and contemporary works.
On Sunday, Feb. 25, Soiree Lyrique will perform "From Broadway to Opera" at 3 p.m. The "Music in the Gallery" brings you an afternoon of love songs by the soprano Solange Sior and tenor Franco Martorana, accompanied on the piano by Chiayi Lee. Enjoy all-time favorites and standards from musical theater, Italian songs, and opera.
At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 3, musician, musicologist, storyteller and nationally syndicated radio host Bill McGlaughlin will bring a live version of his much-loved radio program, "Exploring Music," to The Norris theater in an exploration of the life and music of Leonard Bernstein, whose centennial is observed in celebrations throughout 2018. For this event, there is a premium seating option, with the first five rows of seating available at a slightly higher ticket price.
At 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 23, the acclaimed Northern Illinois University Steelband returns to The Norris theater in full force for a rousing evening of steel pan music, appealing to music lovers of all ages and tastes. Created in 1973 as the first band of its kind at an American university, the NIU Steelband has played throughout the U.S. and around the world.
On Sunday, April 8, Debra Miller returns for "Jane Austen Speaks" at 3 p.m. The Norris gallery audience was thrilled with her recent portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln. She returns in the character of renowned 19th-century English novelist Jane Austen, with an astonishing hourlong portrayal that will have you believing you've just spent the afternoon with one of the most beloved storytellers.
Fareed Haque, an international guitar virtuoso, and friends will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 5. Steeped in classical and jazz traditions, his unique command of the guitar infuses his performances with tradition and fearless innovation. He performs in the theater with his award-winning jazz quartet, and in a set by contemporary composer Franz Casseus, on classical guitar, bass and percussion. For this performance, there is a premium seating option, with seats in the first 10 rows available at a slightly higher ticket price.
Information on all eight events in the Norris' 2017-18 season may be found at www.NorrisCulturalArts.com.