Bass-Baritone Frank Ward and friends kick off 2019-2020 Kulas Concert Series Oct. 6
Our Kulas Concert Series kicks off its 2019-2020 season with bass-baritone Dr. Frank Ward and Friends on Sunday, Oct. 6, at 3 p.m. in the School of Music’s Guzzetta Recital Hall.
A native of Richmond, Va., Ward is an associate professor of music at UA who holds degrees from Morehouse College and The University of Michigan. Critics have praised Ward’s “careful attention to diction,” his “great vocal agility and treatment of ornamentation,” and how his stage presence “…married showmanship with vocal technique to a great advantage.”
Dr. Frank Ward
The concert will include Brahms’ “Four Serious Songs,” works by Bach, Haydn and African-American spirituals. Ward is joined by UA faculty Mayumi Kikuchi, Cynthia Cioffari, Jack Harel, Stanislav Golovin, Lindsay Leach-Sparks, Kiirsi Maunula Johnson, and guests Melody Ward and professor emeritus Alan Bodman.
The concert is free and open to the public, with donations accepted at the door. For more information, contact ext. 8301 or concerts@uakron.edu.
Now in its 16th season, the Kulas Concert Series is the School of Music’s signature series, supported by the Cleveland-based Kulas Foundation, showcasing stellar guest, faculty and student artists.
Also in this year’s Kulas series:
UA Wind Symphony
with faculty pianist Philip Thomson
Sunday, Oct. 27, 3 p.m.
Guzzetta Recital Hall, 157 University Ave.
Internationally renowned pianist Thomson joins UA’s top band to perform Concerto No. 3, a new work by David Maslanka, commissioned for the Mid-American Conference. The band will also perform works inspired by the piano. Galen Karriker, director of bands, conducts. Free – donations accepted. For more information, contact ext. 8301 or concerts@uakron.edu.
Collage 2019
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m.
E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St.
Celebrating its 10th year, Collage 2019 showcases the best of the UA School of Music as performers appear and disappear throughout the concert hall. Tickets are $12 general, $6 for non-UA students and free for UA students with Zip Cards. For more information, call 330-253-2488 or visit UA Events online.
Philip Thomson
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella”
Friday, Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 23, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 24, 3 p.m.
Guzzetta Recital Hall, 157 University Ave.
Frank Ward directs Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved musical, fully staged, with the UA Chamber Orchestra conducted by Marie Bucoy-Calavan, director of choral studies. Tickets are $12 general, $6 for non-UA students and free for UA students with Zip Cards. For more information, contact 330-972-8301 or concerts@uakron.edu.
Sunday, Dec. 8, 3 p.m.
’Tis the Season
First Congregational Church, 292 E. Market St.
UA’s Brass Choir, Concert Choir and Chamber Choir join for a magical afternoon of holiday music and fun. Christopher Blaha, assistant professor of music – tuba, and Marie Bucoy-Calavan, director of choral studies conduct. Free – donations accepted at the door. For more information, call 330-253-2488 or visit UA Events online.
Tuesday, Jan. 21, 7:30 p.m.
Pianist Gabriela Montero – “Westward”
Stage Door at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St.
An innovative pianist, composer, and improviser, Venezuela’s Gabriela Montero performs an homage to immigration through music and film at the Thomas Hall Stage Door. Tickets are $45, free for students. In collaboration with Tuesday Musical Association’s Fuze Series. For more information, call 330-761-3460 or email info@tuesdaymusical.org.
Wednesday, March 11, 7:30 p.m.
Seraph Brass
Guzzetta Recital Hall, 157 University Ave.
A dynamic brass ensemble, drawing from a roster of America’s top female brass players, will honor Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. With UA faculty trombonist Elisabeth Shafer, visiting assistant professor of music - trombone. Tickets are $12 general, $6 for non-UA students and free for UA students with Zip Cards. For more information, contact 330-972-8301 or concerts@uakron.edu.
Season tickets are $75. Call 330-972-8301 or e-mail concerts@uakron.edu for more information.
To purchase tickets for E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall events, call 330-253-2488, visit in person at the E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall or Akron Civic Theatre ticket offices, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or visit UA Events online.
Media contact: Patricia LaNasa, 330-972-8301 or planasa@uakron.edu.