INFORMATION FOR
William Paterson University in Wayne will celebrate the music of Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos on Thursday, March 3, 2011 with a program featuring the Madison String Quartet, the cello ensemble Monticelli, pianists Gary Kirkpatrick and Frank Pavese and Itay Goren, and guitarists Seth Himmelhoch and Gabriel Handy. The concert, part of William Paterson’s Midday Artist Series, begins at 12:30 p.m. in the Shea Center for the Performing Arts on campus. Admission is free; a donation of $5 is suggested.
Villa-Lobos has been described as the single most significant creative figure in 20th-century Brazilian art music. The prolific composer, who lived in the early part of the 20th century, wrote many orchestral and chamber music works as well as operas, choral and instrumental compositions. This concert will highlight his contribution to various genres featuring works for piano, guitar, voice, cello ensemble and string quartet.
The Madison String Quartet will perform the third String Quartet, known as the “Popcorn” quartet, which combines elements from contemporary French and Russian composers with more traditional Brazilian genres and influences. The quartet, based in Madison, N.J., features Evelyn Estava, violin; Gabriela Rengel, violin; Michael Avagliano, viola; and Gerall Hieser, cello. Drawing on the international experience of its members, the quartet is known for its performances of works by Hispanic composers.
The Bergen County-based cello ensemble Monticelli will be reinforced by additional cellists from William Paterson University and the surrounding area to perform the composer’s Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5, a vocal piece written for eight celli and a soprano soloist. The featured soloist will be William Paterson University graduating music major Brenda Belohoubek of Wyckoff.
Villa-Lobos’ repertoire for guitar solo and piano solo will be performed by William Paterson University guitar faculty Seth Himmelhoch and Gabriel Handy, piano faculty Gary Kirkpatrick and Frank Pavese, as well as William Paterson University alumnus and Ramapo College faculty pianist Itay Goren ‘05.
The concert was organized and programmed by Elka Kirkpatrick, a pianist and adjunct professor of music at William Paterson. For additional information, contact the Shea Center Box Office at 973-720-2371.
