Music ensembles and solo artists offer educational and entertaining performances, workshops and master classes. Whether you are interested in an introduction to music from another part of the world or a particular genre, we have the artist for you!
Ensembles:
Afro-Cuban Drum and Dance Ensemble: Folk Music and Dance of Cuba
The Afro-Cuban Drum and Dance Ensemble is a unique group of percussionists and dancers performing the folkloric music and dance of Cuba. Members of the group have traveled to Cuba to learn the music and dance of this rich island culture. This colorful presentation includes drumming, song, and dance, as well as an explanation of each element of the performance. The program can enhance the study of Africa and Cuba, and the relationship between dance and music in cultural traditions.
Art Attack!
Add panache, elan, pizzazz, and wow to your special event with a surprise visit from ART ATTACK, culture that makes house calls. Music professors Jeffrey Agrell (horn) and John Manning (tuba) will magically appear and perform brand new (i.e. improvised) sparkling music at your event.
Center for New Music
A fascinating resident performance ensemble, the Center for New Music has received recognition as one of America’s foremost leaders in commissioning and premiering new compositions. The Center for New Music was founded in 1966 with a grant from The Rockefeller Foundation to serve the state of Iowa with performances of contemporary music by American and European chamber music composers. Directed by UI Music faculty David Gompper, the Center for New Music offers performances of these newly written works. Much of this music is unavailable on CD and it is the function of the Center to present important and critical works to audiences unfamiliar with recent chamber music.
Cerberus: Chamber Music at Short Notice
Cerberus consists of three UI music professors Jeffrey Agrell (horn), John Manning (tuba), and Brent Sandy (trumpet), plus on occasion Soundpainting conductor Walter Thompson. Cerberus is like no other chamber music experience you've ever seen or heard. Every concert is unique as the players create the lions share of the program on the spot. The result is high-energy, sometimes humorous, quirky and delightful music that sizzles the airwaves with audacious, toe-tapping tunes. The audience - to its surprise - is also asked to take part in several pieces and invariably does so with glee and gusto. Expected the unexpected with Cerberus. Who knew that contemporary chamber music could be this much fun?
Cerberus is also available for workshops in creative improvisation for all instruments and all levels.
Clarinet Quartet
From Bach to Grundman, "legit" to jazz, this premiere clarinet group is faculty-sponsored and comprised of three University of Iowa graduate artists directed by UI Music faculty Maurita Murphy Mead. The group is available for mini-concerts and master classes designed to assist in educating and exciting young students about the clarinet. Please note: available during second semester only.
Con Arco Quartet
Con Arco Quartet performs Classical to Contemporary works for 2 violins, cello and double bass.
Duo Pianists Joshua & Anna Russell
This duo will introduce students from pre-school to high school to various musical styles from Classical to Ragtime through their performance of piano duets and works for two pianos.
Flute Ensemble
The University of Iowa Flute Ensemble is a group composed of graduate and undergraduate students who have won national competitions and awards. They perform for numerous occasions throughout the year and are available for performances and workshops.
Habeas Corpus Early Music and Dance
This small company of musicians and dancers will come in costume to perform and teach Renaissance, Baroque or English Country Dances, will demonstrate dressing and etiquette, discuss historical/social contexts, and involve participants in dressing and dancing.
Rachelle Palnick Tsachor, UI Music faculty member, is the contact person for the group.
Iowa Brass Quintet
The Iowa Brass Quintet brings you the finest in brass chamber music ranging from the Renaissance to contemporary 20th century works. The group was founded at the UI in the early 1950’s and continues to be acclaimed for its artistry in concerts and clinics throughout the U.S. The IBQ features UI Music faculty David Greenhoe (trumpet); David Gier (trombone); David Spies (tuba); Jeffrey Agrell (horn) and Barbara Deur (trumpet). The IBQ is available for concerts and clinics in conjunction with a concert.
Iowa Honors Wind Quintet
The Iowa Honors Wind Quintet is the first student ensemble to partner with the University Honors Program to serve the public through music. The group is comprised of honors students majoring in music performance and/or music education. This ensemble is designed to provide its members with opportunities to not only gain performance experience, but also to enrich the community outside the University through interactive and educational performances. The quintet presents concert programs that are accessible to a variety of audiences in settings that range from public schools to nursing homes. The goal of this quintet is to promote personal and public awareness of music's educational value and to encourage the appreciation and support of music in our community.
The founding members of the Iowa Honors Wind Quintet are Megan Luljak, flute; Mark Fitkin, oboe; Cheryl Poduska, clarinet; Laura Hirschey, bassoon; and Alissa Coussens, horn. The group is advised and coached by Mark Weiger, Professor of Oboe and Benjamin Coelho, Professor of Bassoon at the University of Iowa.
Iowa Horn Quartet
The Iowa Horn Quartet is a very versatile group that does both performances and workshops. Their concerts vary from the serious and ceremonial, to jazz-pop and mixed types. They have workshops available for school horn groups as well as participatory horn ensemble workshop/concerts.
Iowa Jazztet
The Iowa Jazztet is a dynamic mainstream and Brazilian-style jazz ensemble from the UI’s School of Music. The Iowa Jazztet features seven members of the Jazz faculty and graduate student body and is directed by John Rapson. The group performs the music of such jazz greats as Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker and Phil Woods, as well as original compositions by ensemble members. The group’s repertoire consists of these jazz standards among others: No Greater Love, Wave, Prelude to a Kiss, Mood Indigo, Stella By Starlight, and Misty. Contemporary jazz and original pieces often include Broadway Blues, Blackhawk and Time to Go. The Iowa Jazztet is available for concerts and members are available for clinics in conjunction with a concert.
Iowa Percussion Presents
Iowa Percussion presents educational and entertaining programs featuring music from around the world - Africa, Argentina, Brazil, China, Japan, Malta, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, even the good old USA. Available in a variety of formats to fit most presenter needs.
"It's not just a concert. It's an experience. Music with action: This is Iowa Percussion." Ann Colwell, The Daily Iowan
Iowa Percussion Trio
A trio of talented young percussionists. From ragtime to jazz, and from Trinidad to China, these musicians demonstrate the range of musical capabilities of a variety of classical and ethnic percussion instruments.
Iowa Saxophone Quartet
The Iowa Saxophone Quartet is a newly formed ensemble led by the University of Iowa's Saxophone instructor Kenneth Tse. The quartet features UI alumni and graduate students, and performs a wide range of repertoire from Bach to contemporary classical to jazz. The ensemble is available for concerts and clinics in chamber music or saxophone.
Iowa Vocal Arts Ensemble
The Iowa Vocal Arts Ensemble is comprised of graduate artists and offers audiences an eclectic concert repertoire of concert versions of opera scenes, vocal chamber music or Broadway repertoire. Members of the group are also available for vocal master classes as well as solo and/or ensemble clinics.
Johnson County Landmark
Johnson County Landmark is the University of Iowa’s advanced jazz big band. The group, directed by UI Music faculty John Rapson, chooses members by competitive audition. JCL’s wide concert repertoire includes swing, bebop, and contemporary standards as well as creative originals by band members. Tight ensemble, solo improvisation and rhythmic energy are the main ingredients in the band’s performance. JCL musicians have performed throughout the U.S., Europe and South America. Members are also available for music workshops and clinics in conjunction with a performance.
Kantorei
Founded in 1973, Kantorei is the School of Music’s premiere choir. Consisting of thirty-two singers (smaller groups available for performances) and selected by stringent auditions, they ably represent the best vocalists at the UI. Kantorei is available for concert performances featuring repertoire from the great choral masterworks to contemporary composers. Kantorei regularly performs at the UI and around the state, and has been honored by several of their tour invitations including their 1994 invitation to participate in the World Choral Festival in South Korea. They were one of only five choirs invited to participate in the Festival.
Latin Jazz Ensemble
The UI Latin/Jazz Ensemble is one of the premier ensembles from the jazz department’s small combo program. Directed by James Dreier, the ensemble performs and studies the vast Latin/jazz genre, artists such as Tito Puente, ChoCho Valdez, Eddie Palmieri, and Victor Mendoza.
Maia Quartet
Since its formation in 1990, the Maia Quartet has established itself as an ensemble of polish, innovation and versatility, with a unique ability to communicate its art to a wide range of audiences. They have appeared in major concert halls throughout the United States, including Alice Tully Hall, the Kennedy Center's Terrace Theater and Harris Hall of the Aspen Music Festival. Committed to the work of living composers, they have performed world premieres of compositions by Pierre Jalbert, Donald Grantham, Jeffrey Mumford and Ingram Marshall. The Quartet is available for concerts and master classes and can also develop short-term, educational residencies targeting a wide range of audiences.
Marimba Duo
The Iowa Marimba Duo consists of graduate percussionists Ginny Armstong and Meggie Aube. This duo performs a variety of music ranging from guitar transcriptions to music written for the marimba. The styles they cover would be a wonderful addition to any social
function or event. Meggie and Ginny are also very knowledgable in percussion and enthusiastic to talk about their instruments to varying school-age groups.
Matisse Piano Trio
The Matisse Piano Trio was formed in 2004 by pianist Ksenia Nosikova, violinist Katie Wolfe, and cellist Anthony Arnone when they realized that they shared the desire to perform with each other works from the rich Classical, Romantic and 20th Century trio repertoire. They are available for concerts, lecture/demonstrations, children's concerts, master classes, residencies and workshops. They are communicative and passionate musicians, as well as individuals. All three are professors at the University of Iowa, and maintain busy solo, orchestral and chamber music careers in addition to playing with each other.
The Minimalist Orchestra
Scooter Vineburgh composes loops of drums, bass and melodic
instruments and then performs them on digital samplers while playing
live percussion. Kerry Schneider sings and adds vocal effects, Misha
Rutman adds guitar and additional samples, and Ed Guild projects
improvised video on screens, walls, people, etc. If necessary, Scooter performs as a one-man show, sampling the efforts of all of the other band members. The whole outfit can fit in a DJ booth just as comfortably as on a large stage. Minimalist Orchestra music is
self-described as Dream Dub Hop and draws from funk, reggae and jazz with tinges of latin and rock. Listeners are entranced with the
pulsating rhythms and Kerry's beautifully haunting voice. The mood
induced by the band ranges from relaxing and reflective to
head-bobbing and foot stomping. Fans of Portishead, Massive Attack, Bob Marley and most other bands will surely flock to the sound of MO.
Oddbar Jazz Ensemble
Made up of UI faculty, the Oddbar Jazz Ensemble is extremely eclectic, performing a wide variety of musical styles.
Often Ensemble
The Often Ensemble displays the cutting edge in new jazz composition by developing and performing entirely original music. This twelve-member ensemble is led by Director of Jazz Studies John Rapson, and is comprised of professional musicians dedicated to bringing the best in experimental music and world music to audiences. The Often Ensemble is available for concerts and members are available for clinics in jazz composition in conjunction with a concert.
Old Capital Brass Quintet
The UI’s Old Capital Brass Quintet has been in existence for over thirty years and the graduate artists that comprise the group are available for outstanding performance/demonstration events. Music styles in the Quintet’s repertoire include: Renaissance, classical, romantic, modern, popular and jazz. The performance-demonstrations introduce and contrast the instruments of the brass family to music students. Members of the Old Capital Brass Quintet are also available for individual and small group instruction.
PanAmerican Steel Band
The ever-popular PanAmerican Steel Band features fun and interesting music from the Caribbean performed on steel pans from Trinidad and Tobago. Students will learn how this joyous musical art form grew out of the oppression of European slavery and hear the music as it was developed.
This program can be adapted to a variety of performance situations including grade school presentations to enhance study of the music and culture of the Caribbean, junior high and high school music classes to demonstrate excellence in music performance, and community concert series performances.
PanAmerican Steel Band is available May 17-31, 2008. Limited additional dates are available by request and group availability.
"You're a great band. Maybe the best band." Adams Elementary School Student, Davenport, Iowa
Polutropos
Bob Domsic, saxophones; Nik Gruber, guitar; Israel Neuman, bass; Paul Kresowik, drums
Polutropos is an Iowa City based jazz quartet dedicated to the performance of original music, composed by its members. Polutropos' music explores new territories of creativity and innovation. It fuses a unique rhythmical approach, experimental improvisation and a variety of textures composed of free counterpoint and unconventional forms and harmonic progressions. Previously the group performed under the name Standard Air with clarinetist Bob Paredes, and participated in Israel Neuman's album Polariscope. On July 2, 2005 the group made their final performance with Bob at the Iowa City Jazz Festival. Bob was University of Iowa faculty member and outstanding musician who unfortunately passed away on August 20, 2005. Since then, the group includes saxophonist Bob Domsic and continues to expand its repertoire. It performs regularly at Iowa City's jazz venues, and will reappear at the 2006 Iowa City Jazz Festival.
Songs of War
Stephen Swanson, baritone, and David Gompper, piano
"Songs of War" is a recital of songs that capture many facets of warfare in recent history. Serious songs, humorous songs, and protest songs about the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Cold War, and the war in Vietnam describe the patriotism, pride, sacrifice, suffering, anger, and controversy that arise when we call on our men and women to take up arms for their country.
Sorcerers Double Reed Quartet
Sorcerers Double Reed Quartet is an active performing ensemble based out of the University of Iowa. The ensemble began in 2005 as apprentice group of WiZARDS! A Double Reed Consort and has performed with WiZARDS! at various venues, including the 2007 International Double Reed Society (IDRS) Conference in Ithaca, NY, and the 2007 University of Iowa School of Music Centennial Showcase Concert. The Sorcerers will also appear on the next WiZARDS! commercial recording. The group has additionally performed concerts as part of the Iowa City's Old Capital concert series and has given collaborative performances with the Double Reed Ensemble of Iowa.
Members of the Sorcerers include Jill Staudt (oboe), undergraduate oboe major at the University of Iowa from Marble Rock, IA, who has performed as an orchestral and chamber musician at the 2007 Rome Festival; Stuart Breczinski (oboe, oboe d'amore & English Horn), undergraduate oboe major at the University of Iowa from Golden Valley, MN, the 2007 winner of the University of Iowa's Center for the Arts competition and 2005-2006 English Horn player with the Quad City Symphony; Jack McCauley (English Horn), undergraduate oboe major at the University of Iowa from Orange County, CA, who has performed with the Cedar Rapids Quad Cities & Oskaloosa Symphonies; Jeff Tilghman (bassoon), doctoral candidate in bassoon at the University of Iowa from Grenada, MS, who received his Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Mississippi and Master of Arts from the University of Iowa.
Turkana
Bahri Karacay and his band Turkana perform Turkish folk and pop music.
University of Iowa Double Bass Ensemble
The UI Double Bass Ensemble is directed by Music faculty Volkan Orhon and is comprised of student members of the double bass studio. The Ensemble performs compositions and arrangements for bass ensemble trios/quartets/octets and larger groups. Concerts include a wide variety of styles with some audience interaction.
The Ensemble is available for clinics for music students.
UI Music Teacher’s National Association Student Chapter
This group will perform Sergei Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, a thrilling musical experience that will introduce children to the orchestra.
University of Iowa Horn Studio
The UI Horn Studio is an extremely versatile group that can perform for any occasion: serious concerts, pop concerts, fanfares, ceremonies, holiday music, parties, indoors/outdoors (weather permitting), the horn studio is ready for anything. Studio members are available as soloists (recitals, music for weddings, church services, funerals, schools) or in any size group from 1 to 12, any style from Bach to rock, playing one piece or a whole concert. School concerts for any age and educational workshops for high school horn players are also a specialty. Let the glorious sound of the horn make any occasion special! Jeffrey Agrell is the contact person for this group.
University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra
The UI Symphony Orchestra, under its internationally recognized conductor Dr. William LaRue Jones, brings an exciting commitment to musical excellence with innovative programs that combine the works from contemporary composers as well as the classics. The group is comprised of 80 students from the School of Music and the University community.
University of Iowa Chamber Orchestra
The UI Chamber Orchestra is dedicated to the performance of standard orchestral literature and is comprised primarily of graduate artists.
University of Iowa Saxophone Ensemble
The University of Iowa Saxophone Ensemble is directed by Dr. Kenneth Tse. It involves the best students frmo the saxophone studio and includes soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, and bass saxophones. The ensemble performs music of a variety of styles and difficulties and at times accompanies guest soloists.
The University of Iowa Saxophone Ensemble is available for concerts and clinics.
Wizards!-A Double Reed Consort
Wizards! is a double reed quartet that offers a magical tour of chamber music for audiences of all ages. The oboe, bassoon, English horn, oboe d’amour, contra bassoon and piccolo oboe are performed, demonstrated and introduced through delightful stories, anecdotes, and popular melodies. Wizards! offers DOUBLETALK, a fun foray into a flamboyant feast of fantasy that encourages audiences of all ages to explore the instruments and music. Wizards! is available for concerts with commentary.
World Percussion Ensembles: Collector's Items
Iowa's renowned professor of percussion, Dan Moore, is an avid collector of music and instruments from around the world. In this evening-length program Dr. Moore and Iowa Percussion's top students will share these musical collector's items with you: sounds from the hutongs of China, all-but-forgotten folk songs of the world, percussion instrument oddities from around the globe. The rich melodies of the marimba, the pulsing beat of drums, and music from Africa, Argentina, Brazil, China, Japan, Malta, Mexico, USA, and points in-between are woven into an exciting evening of music.
This highly entertaining program gives valuable insight into - and appreciation of - music from a variety of cultures. It would take many different ensembles to cover what this group of accomplished musicians can present in one inspiring performance.
This program is designed especially for family-oriented Community concert Series programs. Available by request and group availability. Not available May 17-31,2008.
Faculty Artists:
Jeffrey Agrell
Jeffrey Agrell has taught horn at the University of Iowa School of Music since 2000. He is also an award-winning composer who has written dozens of commissions for professional chamber music ensembles. His pieces have been published, recorded on CD, performed on concert stages, and broadcast on television and radio throughout the world. Improvisation is one of his personal interests. He believes a horn player can profit musically, technically and personally from the same fascinating process of improvisation that guitar and other instruments enjoy. He has also been in demand as a clinician nd guest artist, performing at schools of music, festivals and regional and national workshops.
Among his workshops offered are:
*Improvisation for Classical Musicians--
The benefits and sheer good fun of improvising are well-known, but if the only model is jazz, it can be daunting for many traditionally trained musicians. UI horn professor Jeffrey Agrell teaches a unique course in creative (non jazz) improvisation, and offers recitals, workshops, and lectures to any group interested in becoming acquainted with the joys of improvisation firsthand. For all instruments and all levels.
*Soundpainting--
Soundpainting is a system of gestures that makes it possible for groups to improvise together with no previous experience any instrument, level, any age player. Soundpainting was invented over two decades ago by New York performer, composer, and conductor Walter Thompson. Although there are over 750 gestures in the complete language, any group (including concert audiences!) can learn basic soundpainting in a minute. Band directors for example will find soundpainting a wonderful complement and supplement to their regular work on band repertoire. Students come alive when called upon to invent music as part of a soundpainting group. UI horn professor Jeffrey Agrell trained under Walter Thompson and can work with any musical group for an hour or a day. Soundpainting pieces can also be performed by groups with only two or more hours rehearsal time.
Katherine Eberle
With a radiant stage presence and a mezzo-soprano of unusual warmth and color, Katherine Eberle is an active soloist throughout the U.S. and Europe. She has appeared in opera productions at the Aspen Festival Opera Theatre; Opera de Lille, France and has been featured in recital at the Carmel Bach Festival (California); and the Mozarteum (Salzburg, Austria). Ms. Eberle is available for a solo recital accompanied by piano for your community center, music group, school, or church. Her all-American recital program includes music by Jeff Agrell, Samuel Barber, and Ned Rorem. Should you be interested in Ms. Eberle's vocal master classes in vocal technique, please contact the Arts Share office to arrange them in conjunction with the recital program. Also visit Ms. Eberle's web site at http://www.keberle.com/
Kenneth Tse
Recognized as one of the leading saxophonists in the world, Kenneth Tse (cheh) has been called "a brilliant saxophonist," and "worthy of any stage in the world" by his former teacher, world-renowned saxophonist and pedagogue, Eugene Rosseau. French saxophone master Jean-Marie Londeix praised his playing with these words, "I appreciate particularly the quality of the tone, the perfect tuning, and the musical intelligence..."
After his Carnegie Hall debut in 1996 he was hailed "a young virtuoso" by the New York Times. The Saxophone Journal opbserved, "the name of Kenneth Tse has become synonymous with excellence of the first order when it comes to playing the saxophone." American Record Guide said Tse has a "supremely elegant tone and sheer virtuosity." Fanfare Magazine wrote, "[Tse is] of the caliber of the instrumentalists whose very sound is captivating."
A frequent guest artist around the globe, Tse has given solo appearances with ensembles such as the Des Moines Symphony, the United States Navy Band, Slovenian Army Band, La Armonica band in Bunol, Spain, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, etc... He has also been invited to give clinics at prestigious events such as the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinics. Tse is currently the Associate Professor of Saxophone at the University of Iowa. For discography and sound clips please visit www.kenneth-tse.com He is available for recitals and clinics for saxophonists of all ages.
David Greenhoe
David Greenhoe has been Professor of Trumpet at the University of Iowa School of Music, and Principal Trumpeter of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra since 1979. He is also Chairman of the Brass Area at the UI and plays trumpet with the Iowa Brass Quintet. He is an active soloist and recitalist and during summer sessions performs as solo trumpeter with the Lake Placid Sinfonietta, a post he has held since 1975. Greenhoe is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music and was a member and soloist with the U.S. Marine Band in Washington, D.C. He has performed with numerous orchestras including the Milwaukee Symphony, the Rochester Philharmonic and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. Greenhoe is available as a solo recitalist with piano and/or organ, and as a guest soloist with bands or orchestras. He also offers master classes and clinics in conjunction with his concert appearances.
Alan Huckleberry
Alan Huckleberry, Assistant Professor of Piano at the University of Iowa, is an active solo pianist and chamber musician, as well as a sought after master class clinician and lecturer on piano pedagogy. He has performed both in recitals and as a soloist with orchestras in Germany, Great Britain, the Czech Republic, Italy, Austria, Spain, France, and the United States. He is also a prizewinner of numerous national and international piano competitions, such as first prizes in the German National Competition and the University of Michigan concerto competition. Dr. Huckleberry has a special interest contemporary music as a part of piano pedagogy for elementary and intermediate levels.
In addition to recital performance, Dr. Huckleberry teaches Piano Hour classes at elementary schools, as well as master classes from elementary to collegiate and professional levels.
William LaRue Jones
William Jones joined the UI music faculty in January 1998 as Director of Orchestra Studies. He directs the doctoral and masters degree programs in Orchestral Conducting and Pedagogy; conducts the UI Symphony Orchestra; directs the Chamber Orchestra and will be the Music Director for UI Opera Productions. Dr. Jones is available for orchestra clinics and workshops.
Rene Lecuona
With acclaimed piano performances in the U.S. and Europe, Rene Lecuona has acquired stature that is far beyond her years. Lecuona has degrees from the Eastman School of Music and Indiana University. She has studied with such notable teachers as Menahem Pressler, Edward Auer, Gyergy Sebok and Rebecca Penneys. She has a strong interest in performing traditional classical music and greatly enjoys introducing classical music to new audiences. Ms. Lecuona is available for solo piano recitals and master classes.
Maurita Murphy Mead
Maurita Murphy Mead is in her 15th year as Professor of Clarinet at the UI. Prior to her appointment at the UI, she was a member of the music faculty at Western Michigan University and taught middle school band in the Wisconsin public schools. Her solo appearances have included the International Clarinet conferences, the Oklahoma Clarinet Symposium and the College Band Directors National Association Conference. Mead offers master classes in clarinet concepts and performance.
Ksenia Nosikova
Russian pianist Ksenia Nosikova joined the UI faculty in the fall of 1998. She brings a wealth of international performance experience to Iowa, having performed extensively as a soloist and chamber musician in Russia, Italy, Yugoslavia, Germany, England, the Netherlands, and throughout the United States. Ms. Nosikova's Carnegie Hall debut and prize-winning performances at three international piano competitions highlight her more recent accomplishments. A prizewinner of the 1998 Ibla International Piano Competition in Italy, she was invited back as a jury member in July 1999. Dr. Nosikova earned both the Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory and Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Colorado in Boulder. She is available for solo recitals, performances with orchestras, chamber music performances, competition judging and master classes with piano students and chamber music groups.
Graduate Artist Koi Hin Samuel Kwok is a native of Hong Kong, China. Prior to coming to Iowa, Kwok taught music theory, composition, choral conducting and piano at Hong Kong Baptist University, and at the Hong Kong International Institute of Music. As a composer, Kwok has written compositions for varied media including vocal, instrumental, chamber, choral, electro-acoustical, theatrical and orchestra. His works have been performed in Asia, Europe and the United States. Kwok is currently a candidate for a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in choral conducting at the University of Iowa and Director of Music Ministries at First United Methodist Church in Iowa City. He offers workshops related to Chinese traditional music, composition and choral conducting. He also offers solo piano recitals of Chinese music and music appreciation/activities for young children & the elderly.
Volkan Orhan
In addition to solo playing, Mr. Orhon is Assistant Professor of Doublebass at the University of Iowa and principal double bass of the Cedar Rapids Symphony. He was a member of the Hartford Symphony and Connecticut Opera orchestras, and served on the faculties of the University of Connecticut, Central Connecticut State University, University of Massachusetts Amherst, The Hartt School Community Division of the University of Hartford, Kinhaven Music School (VT) and Summer Strings Music Festival in Pocatello, Idaho.
Born and raised in Turkey, Mr. Orhon began playing the double bass at the age of 12, and spent much of his youth touring Europe with the Mediterranean Youth Soloists. After receiving his bachelor's degree from the Ankara State Conservatory under the tutelage of Tahir Sumer, he became a member of the Ankara Presidential Symphony Orchestra. In 1991, Mr. Orhon came to the United States to continue his studies with Gary Karr at The Hartt School of Music.
Mr. Orhon is a D'Addario Diamond Performing Artist, and performs exclusively on D'Addario Helicore Strings.
John Rapson
John Rapson has been Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Iowa since 1993. He is a composer/trombonist whose work mixes ethnic and experimental elements with more conventional jazz forms. He has a Doctorate in Ethnomusicology from Wesleyan University and has performed or recorded with Anthony Braxton, Julius Hemphill, David Murray, Bill Frisell, Tim Berne, Doc Cheatham and Ed Blackwell, to name a few. His most recent CD, Dances and Orations, is a collection of thirteen new compositions for sextet. Mr. Rapson is available for workshops and performances. He has worked with students of all ages and is especially engaging with groups interested in experimental projects. He can also lecture on jazz history or aesthetics.
Stephen Swanson
What is Man, Lost Man? UI Faculty Stephen Swanson and Ksenia Nosikova will present masterworks of Christian solo vocal literature, three selections from Henry Purcell's Harmonia Sacra, Frank Martin's Sechs Monologue aus Jedermann, and Johannes Brahms' Vier ernste Gesänge. These works are wonderfully expressive of man's spiritual journey, and Professor Swanson's mastery of the German language will allow the audience to experience the poetic beauty of the original texts that inspired Brahms and Martin. Parallel German/English translations supplied in the program will make it easy for the audience to follow the inspirational message of these great works. Interspersed between the vocal selections, Dr. Nosikova will present selections from her vast repertoire of solo piano literature. For colleges and universities who wish to take advantage of this recital, master classes for advanced piano and vocal students will also be offered.
Rachelle Palnick Tsachor
A UI faculty member in music and movement, Rachelle Palnick Tsachor is a Certified Movement Analyst and Registered Somatic Movement Therapist specializing in Laban and Alexander-based techniques. Ms. Tsachor has offered classes in movement and adult ballet, as well as individual sessions in Movement Therapy and Performance Coaching for the erforming arts (inc. musicians), sports, or other skills.
Ms. Tsachor will design workshops for the group's special needs/populations (inc. stroke support group, ADHD, autism, Parkinsons), as well as offer workshops on optimal performance and movement for musicians--awareness, ergonomics, Alexander technique, etc.Mark Weiger.
Experience the charm of the oboe with prominent performer and educator, UI faculty Mark Weiger. A winner in the Lucarelli International Oboe Competition at Carnegie Hall in 1988, Weiger’s extensive teaching and performance experience can be enjoyed in oboe master classes or solo performances. Weiger is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music and the Juilliard School. He has been a principal oboist with the Albany (NY) Symphony, Ohio Light Opera, Maine Opera, Portland (ME) Symphony, Empire State Institute for the Performing Arts and English hornist with the Vermont and Portland Symphony Orchestras.
Uriel Tsachor
In constant demand as a piano recitalist in New York, Chicago, Tel Aviv, Vienna, Paris and London, UI faculty and pianist Uriel Tsachor has won acclaim from critics and audiences around the world for his poetic expressiveness and sensitivity. Since his Lincoln Center debut with the New York City Symphony, described by The New York Times as “glittering brilliance,” Tsachor has been performing as a recitalist, a soloist with orchestra, and a chamber musician. His most recent releases on compact disc include solo works by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Brahms and Dvorak. Tsachor is available for recitals, chamber music performances, solo performance with orchestra and master classes for piano students.
Katie Wolfe
Violinist Katie Wolfe, a native of Minnesota, joined the faculty of the University of Iowa as Associate Professor of Violin in 2004, and maintains a busy schedule of solo, chamber music and orchestral performances. She is a founding member of the Matisse Piano Trio with UI colleagues Ksenia Nosikova and
Anthony Arnone.
Internationally she has performed in Canada, Spain, the Netherlands, Chile, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Malaysia, Korea, Japan, and the former Soviet Union. Ms. Wolfe received the prestigious Fulbright Lecture Award to teach and perform in Bolivia for one year. While there, Ms. Wolfe was the Assistant Concertmaster of the National Symphony, a professor at the National Conservatory, and performed numerous public and educational concerts with her string quartet.
Previous to coming to Iowa, she served on the faculty of Oklahoma State University, where she taught violin, viola and chamber music and was well established there by her numerous solo and chamber music performances throughout the region and nationally. Ms. Wolfe also served as Associate Concertmaster of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and Faculty Artist at the Oklahoma Arts Institute.
Ms. Wolfe has also served as adjunct faculty at Hofstra University in New York as a member of the Hofstra String Quartet. While living in New York City for several years, she played often on Broadway shows, performed, recorded and toured regularly with New York-based groups such as Philharmonia Virtuosi, the Westchester Symphony Orchestra, City Island Baroque Ensemble, Jupiter Symphony, and the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra. She holds degrees from Indiana University and the Manhattan School of Music. Her principal teachers were Mary Budd Horozaniecki, Mary West, Miriam Fried, and Sylvia Rosenberg.
Solo Artists:
Liang-Fang Chang
Liang-Fang Chang is from Taipei, Taiwan, began piano studies at the age of six. Between 1996 and 2000 she was a scholarship student with Sheau-Ping Hu at the Fu-Jen Catholic University in Taipei. In 2001, Ms. Chang earned her Bachelor of Music degree with the highest honor from the Music Department and Center of Teacher Education of Fu-Jen University. Ms. Chang is a recipient of scholarships from Yuan-Dong Sheu Culture & Education Foundation and the ARIA Music Festival. She is also an honorary member of the Phi Tau Phi Scholastic Honor Society. In 2002, Ms. Chang was awarded an International Scholarship from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where she studied with Dr. Daniel Shapiro, and two summers later, she received her Master of Music degree there.
Ms. Chang has had chances to work with distinguished musicians, such as Pi-Hsin Chen, Alvin Chow, Peter Takasc, Boris Slutsky, James Giles, and Andre-Michel Schub. She was one of the finalists of the 2005 Maia Chamber Music Competition at the University of Iowa. As a pianist for the Taipei Success Children's Choir, Ms. Chang has appeared in concerts in Hong Kong, Seoul, Beijing, Tianjing, Linz, Los Angeles, and the National Concert Hall of Taiwan.
In August 2005, Ms. Chang was invited by Yinqi Culture & Arts Foundation to play a recital in Bach REcital Hall of Taipei after winning that organization's competition. Currently she is pursuing her DMA degree with Professor Uriel Tsachor at the University of Iowa, where she is also a teaching assistant in the piano area; Ms. Chang was awarded the Graduate College Performance Fellowship for the 2004-05 academic year and was named winner of the 2005-06 Concerto/Aria Competition at the University of Iowa.
Bahri Karacay
Bahri Karacay and his band TURKANA perform Turkish Folk, and Pop Music. See Bahri's webpage for more information.
Bahri is the lead singer of the band and he accompanies himself with "saz," a long-necked lute-traditional Turkish folk instrument. The concert includes a mini turkish-folk dancing with the audience where Bahri shows the steps to the audience followed by the dance.
Bahri also offers lectures/performances about Islam, Sufism and Sufi Music, which is followed by a Turkish Sufi Music Concert.
He uses multimedia presentation in his lectures and students participate by asking questions about Islam, Sufism, Sufi Music, Turkish Music as well as about Bahri himself.
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