Ashland, Ore. – The Music program of the Department of Performing Arts at Southern Oregon University presents the work of composer William Kraft in “Encounters: The Music of William Kraft” on Thursday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the SOU Music Recital Hall.
The concert features the dynamic work of famed “American Impressionist” William Kraft. Kraft’s “Encounters” series pairs percussion with other instruments and the works are vehicles for exploring the dialogue, or in some cases duels, between two different instrumentalists.
“William Kraft is one of the first composers to write for percussion as a true solo instrument. His pairing of percussion with other instruments, in the ‘Encounters,’ is paramount to our repertoire as percussionists,” states Longshore, director of percussion studies. Longshore will perform “Encounters XVI” with Tessa Brinckman, a piece composed for flute and percussion. Jon Janakes and Tyler Willoughby will perform “Encounters III Duel for Percussion and Trumpet.” Colin Malloy will perform “Encounters I: Soliloquy for percussion and tape.”
“Kraft’s music explores timbre and texture in a brilliant way,” Longshore continues, “and his knowledge of composing for percussion, being a percussionist himself, is second to none. It is a privilege to perform the works of this world-renown composer and an even greater honor to know that he will be in attendance.”
The concert includes solos by Ian McCarty performing “Requiescat: Let the Bells Mourn for Us for We Are Remiss for Fender Rhodes Electric Piano” and Jordan Levelle performing “Variations for King George for Timpani.” Bryan Jeffs and Jeffrey Kolega will perform “Kandinsky Variations” as a duo.
William Kraft is one of America’s greatest living composers. He was with the Los Angeles Philharmonic for 26 years in several roles, including composer in residence, Associate Conductor, and principal timpanist. He also composes works for orchestra, opera, chamber music and soloists.
Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for seniors and free to full-time students. The Performing Arts Box Office is located in the Theatre Arts Building lobby. Box office hours are noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and two hours prior to each performance. Tickets can be purchased with a credit card over the phone by calling 541-552-6348 or online at sou.edu/performingarts.
