Ashland, OR – The Music program of the Department of Performing Arts at Southern Oregon University has a special event lined up for music fans next week. The Firebird Wind Trio stars alongside the SOU Cascade Clarinet Consort in a concert titled “Clari-nation! Music for the Clarinet” on Monday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 pm, in the SOU Music Recital Hall.
Dr. Rhett Bender, a professor of Music at SOU, created the Cascade Clarinet Consort (CCC) to provide a collaborative learning environment for musicians to arrange, compose and commission all styles of clarinet music. The CCC uses a wide assortment of clarinets from contra-bass to the Eb Sopranino. Attendees to “Clari-nation!” can expect to hear wonderful pieces intended to showcase the musicians’ talent, as well as the unique sound of the clarinet family.
Listeners will recognize compositions from William Byrd, Gordon Jacob, David Cox, Percy Grainger, Vaclav Nelhybel and Oregon’s own Mike Curtis.
Dr. Bender says, “I’m so excited to offer this concert. It’s the first clarinet-centered concert we have conceived at SOU. I’m so proud of the work these students have put into their preparation and we are all looking forward to being joined by a local favorite, the Firebird Wind Trio.”
Oboist Lorin Groshong, flutist Lisa Nichols, and clarinetist Gwen Hutchings comprise the fabled Firebird Wind Trio. They will be playing music from a variety of periods and styles, with an emphasis on ‘crowd pleasers’ that consist of pieces everyone can appreciate. Classical music fans will be familiar with the Firebird Wind Trio, who have performed at the Rogue Valley Symphony Orchestra, the Jefferson Baroque Orchestra, the Ashland City Band, the Rogue Opera and the Rogue Valley Symphonic Band.
Dr. Bender continues, “Anyone who loves classical music, and certainly all those who appreciate the beautiful blend of the clarinet family, will enjoy this concert.”
Tickets are ten dollars for general admission, five for senior citizens, 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 six 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. Contact the box office for discounts offered to SOU alumni, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute participants and SNAP/Oregon Trail cardholders.
