Marywood University’s music, theatre, and dance department continues its tradition of musical excellence with the final three master classes of the fall semester.
On Sunday, November 3, 2019, Ricky Ian Gordon, one of America’s foremost composers of art song, opera, and musical theater, will lead a master class and recital at Marywood University. The renowned composer is the recipient of an OBIE Award, the Stephen Sondheim Award, and the Helen Hayes Award. His opera, The Grapes of Wrath, was called “The Great American Opera” by Musical America.
At 2 p.m. on November 3, Mr. Gordon will work with several Marywood University students on his songs, and, at 7 p.m., he will oversee a recital entirely devoted to his vocal music. Both events will be on the Main Stage of the Sette LaVerghetta Center at Marywood University and are free and open to the public.
“His music is so ubiquitous that several of our students performed his songs last year of their own volition, giving me the idea to try to bring him to Marywood,” said Rick Hoffenberg, D.M.A., associate professor of choral conducting and co-chair chair of Marywood’s Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance.
On Thursday, November 14, 2019, principal members of the trumpet, horn, and trombone sections from the Northeast Pennsylvania Philharmonic Orchestra will be at Marywood to lead a master class at 3:30 p.m. in the Marian Chapel. These players, among the finest virtuosos in northeast Pennsylvania, will work with selected student brass players from the Marywood department of music, theatre, and dance. The master class is free and open to the public.
On Monday, December 2, at 7 p.m. in the Fireplace Lounge, Nazareth Student Center, the Marywood Merry Tuba Christmas Concert continues a holiday tradition, welcoming performers that include Marywood students and guests from the community. Holiday carols and favorites will be musically interpreted through a large choir of tubas and euphoniums. To join the performers, interested tuba or euphonium players can register at 4:30 p.m. and rehearse at 5 p.m. in Room 96 of the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts. There is a $10 participation fee, and music is available for purchase. The free concert at 7 p.m. in the Fireplace Lounge, Nazareth Student Center, is open to the public. For additional information about Master Classes and other musical opportunities at Marywood University, please visit marywood.edu/mtd, or call (570) 348-6268.