The Hartt School Presents an Evening of Concerto Winners 2/4

The Hartt School presents an Evening of Concerto Winners on Friday, February 4, at 7:30 PM in Lincoln Theater, on the University of Hartford's main campus. Admission is free. Please visit www.hartford.edu/hartt for more information.

This concert showcases concerto competition winners from the 2010-2011 season, accompanied by the Hartt Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra. The Wind Ensemble performs James Beckel's The Glass Bead Game, featuring concerto winner Jacqueline DesRosier '12, French horn, of Wethersfield, CT, and Henri Tomasi's Concerto for Alto Saxophone featuring Joey Abad '12, of Union City, CA. The Hartt Symphony Orchestra performs Sibelius's Violin Concerto featuring Gary Capozziello '12, of Fairfield, CT, and Bolcom's Concerto Grosso for Saxophone.

Student performer Jacqueline DesRosier says, "I am excited and honored to be playing The Glass Bead Game by James Beckel with the Hartt Wind Ensemble. The work is inspired by Herman Hesse's novel of the same name, and attempts to portray the main character's search for the truth of life. Hesse wrote, 'classical music... signifies knowledge of the tragedy of the human condition, affirmation of human destiny, courage, and cheerful serenity. [One hears] a defiance, a death-defying intrepidity, a gallantry, and a note of superhuman laughter, of immortal gay serenity.' I have enjoyed the challenge of finding those characteristics in this work and bringing them to life. I feel fortunate and privileged to have been given the opportunity to share this composition that I love with so many people and I only hope that my interpretation of The Glass Bead Game will bring the listener the joy this work has brought to me."

Joseph Abad, who also performs with the Wind Ensemble says, "It's been a phenomenal experience working with all these fantastic musicians: From my wonderful members in the Ineo Saxophone Quartet, to the Orchestra and the Wind Ensemble-I'm honored to be in their presence. These past two weeks have demonstrated the magic of Maestro Cumming and Professor Adsit in bringing these masterpieces to fruition, and the incessant support from Professor Koffman, helping me propel my playing to my personal best. On stage, I always aim to play for everyone; this performance will be no less-but will be even more gratifying."

On performing with the Hartt Symphony Orchestra, Gary Capozziello says, "I'm thrilled to play such a wonderful work with Maestro Cumming and the Hartt Symphony Orchestra. This piece is exciting for both the Orchestra and the soloist...an experience for all of us to enjoy and remember."

The Hartt School is the comprehensive performing arts conservatory of the University of Hartford that offers innovative degree programs in music, dance, and theatre. Founded in 1920, Hartt has been an integral part of the University of Hartford since its charter merged the then Hartt School of Music, the Hartford Art School, and Hillyer College to create the University in 1957. 2010 markEd Hartt's 90th year of providing world class performing arts education to students in Greater-Hartford and around the world. With more than 400 concerts, recitals, plays, master classes, dance performances, and musical theatre productions a year, performance is central to Hartt's curriculum. For more information about The Hartt School, visit www.hartford.edu/hartt.

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