Take a break with Arts at Noon

Performers from around the world are featured at the seven free Arts at Noon concerts that will take place most Wednesdays through November. Each concert will be held in the Cook-DeWitt Center, begin at noon and last approximately one hour. For more information, contact the Department of Music at x13484.

The series opens on Wednesday, September 17, with 20-year old Czech violin virtuoso Anna Skalová, who is poised for an international solo career. She will be accompanied by Russian pianist Dmitri Vorobiev as they perform works by Bach, Brahms and Wieniawski.

• September 24: Guitarist Carlos de la Barrera, a native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, will perform a program of Hispanic music, in an event co-sponsored by Office of Multicultural Affairs coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month.

• October 1: The Kapell Trio will perform works by Beethoven, Bolcom and Martinu. The trio, named to honor legendary pianist William Kapell is ensemble-in-residence at the International Music Academy in Pilsen, Czech Republic. Members are violinist and University of Michigan professor Stephen Shipps, Steinway Artist Stephen Swedish, and Grand Valley cellist Pablo Mahave-Veglia.

• October 15: The Ensemble Montage, all members of the Grand Rapids Symphony. For this concert they have programmed a celebration of the great Elliot Carter, who this year celebrates his 100th birthday and is still an active composer.

• October 22: Mind's Eye, led by pianist Steve Talaga. The quartet plays original jazz with an edge by combining diverse backgrounds and collective talent.

• November 5: David Hall, one of America's leading marimba performers, will perform a mix of classical, ragtime, Brazilian, and contemporary music include entertaining insights on the repertoire, history, and techniques of this unique instrument.

• November 12: Gregory Crowell will perform on the Jay and Betty Van Andel organ. A beloved Grand Valley faculty member, Crowell has also appeared as organist, harpsichordist, clavichordist, lecturer, and conductor around the world.