Arts at Noon brings world-renowned musicians to GVSU

The 37th season of Grand Valley State University Arts at Noon series starts Wednesday, September 3, at noon in the Cook-DeWitt Center on the Allendale Campus with a performance by the Mediterranean fusion ensemble, Wisaal.
 
This fall there are seven concerts ranging from the world-renowned early music ensemble Rebel to the award-winning Donald Sinta Quartet. All of the Arts at Noon concerts will take place in the Cook-DeWitt Center, begin at noon, and last approximately one hour. The concerts are free and open to the public.
 
Wednesday, September 3 - Wisaal
Wisaal is a Mediterranean fusion group based in Lansing, whose unique style of music draws influences from around the globe. Traditional music from Egypt, Turkey and Lebanon is infused with klezmer clarinet and folk mandolin. Original tunes and arrangements combine globally influenced melodies with American jazz and classical influences. Wisaal’s percussion section features a battery of instruments from the Mediterranean, South America, India and beyond.
 
Wednesday, September 17 - Pianist Andreas Klein
Grand Valley welcomes back German-born, internationally acclaimed pianist Andreas Klein. The New York Times called Klein: “A fascinating artist with all the indispensable qualities: temperament, taste, touch, tone, the four T’s of pianism.”  His performance will feature a diverse repertoire ranging from Mozart to Ginastera.
 
Wednesday, October 1 - Donald Sinta Quartet
Formed in 2010, the Donald Sinta Quartet has quickly achieved international notoriety for its performances and championing of the very latest repertoire from emerging young composers. Named for legendary University of Michigan Saxophone professor Donald Sinta, the group’s mentor, this saxophone quartet has distinguished itself on the competition circuit winning first prize in the Concert Artists Guild International Competition in New York City, the Alice Coleman Grand Prize at the 2013 Coleman International Competition in Pasadena, California, and first prize at the North American Alliance Saxophone Quartet Competition in Arizona.
 
Wednesday, October 15 - Cello Fest!
The 2014 edition of Cello Fest!, hosted by Grand Valley professor Pablo Mahave-Veglia, will feature international guest artists Joseph Johnson, principal cellist with the Toronto Symphony, and Ashley Bathgate, cellist with the New York-based Bang on a Can All-Stars. Joined by Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra cellists Alicia Eppinga, Jeremy Crosmer, and others, these talented musicians will present works by Telemann and Barriere, as well as Cello Counterpoint by American minimalist master Steve Reich.
 
Wednesday, November 5 - Crispin Campbell Quartet
The Crispin Campbell Quartet features innovative cellist Crispin Campbell, internationally renowned flutist Nancy Stagnitta, versatile guitarist Angelo Meli, and Detroit’s well-known grande dame of the bass Marion Hayden. The quartet performs an engaging mix of jazz, tango, samba and blues improvisations with chamber music awareness. Both Campbell and Stagnitta are instructors at the Interlochen Arts Academy.
 
Wednesday, November 19 - Rebel
Hailed by The New York Times as “sophisticated and beguiling” and praised by the Los Angeles Times for their “astonishingly vital music-making,” the New York-based Baroque ensemble Rebel (pronounced “Re-BEL”) has earned an impressive international reputation, charming diverse audiences by their unique style and their virtuosic, highly expressive and provocative approach to the Baroque and Classical repertoire.
 
Wednesday, December 3 - Holiday Music for Brass Quintet
In what has become an annual tradition, the GVSU Brass Quintet presents “Holiday Music for Brass Quintet.” Come and listen to the wondrous sound of holiday music arranged for brass. Grand Valley faculty members Richard Stoelzel and Jeff Lewandowski, trumpet; Richard Britsch, horn; Mark Williams, trombone; and Paul Carlson, tuba, will bring joy to your holiday season.