Clayton State University’s Spivey Hall (www.spiveyhall.org) has announced details of its March programming, which will feature a debut performance by mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe, whose cabaret concerts have been cited by “The New York Times” as packing “a memorably focused emotional punch.”
Blythe is one of four debuts for Spivey in March, which also includes concerts from REBEL Ensemble for Baroque Music, VIDA Guitar Quartet and Chris Potter Underground,
“March 2015 offers an abundant variety of not-to-be-missed Spivey hall performances,” said Sam Dixon, Spivey Hall executive and artistic director. “It’s a month notable not only for its diversity of musical styles, but also a mix of favorite artists as well as artists being welcomed by Spivey Hall and its audiences for the first time.”
Blythe’s cabaret performance will include songs by Benjamin Britten, Noel Coward, Jacques Brel and other theatrical songwriters in a free-flowing yet powerful concert. The REBEL Ensemble for Baroque Music brings its “flamboyant, interventionist style” (Los Angeles Times) to 17th and 18th century music. Praised by critics as “one of the world’s most exciting guitar ensembles,” VIDA Guitar Quartet has surprised and delighted audiences with innovative arrangements of both contemporary and classical orchestra pieces. Chris Potter Underground, featuring Adam Rogers, Fima Ephron and Nate Smith, ends the Spivey Hall Jazz season with selections from Potter’s latest recording, “Imaginary Cities.”
Two popular Spivey pianists return in March: Shai Wosner with a program featuring Schubert and Beethoven, and Stephen Hough performing music by Debussy and Chopin. Celebrated for its engaging and dramatic performances, the David Finkel / Wu Han / Philip Setzer Trio presents a program including Mendelssohn’s brilliant Piano Trio No. 2 in its highly-anticipated return to Spivey Hall.
The March program is rounded out by performances from local vocal group Southern Crescent Chorale as well as two recitals from Clayton State University’s own Department of Visual and Performing Art Dance Ensemble.
