Fall Arts Celebration kicks off with Sousa's lost operettas

The 2014 Fall Arts Celebration at Grand Valley State University kicks off September 15 with “Pioneers of American Musical Theatre: Music from the Lost Operettas of John Philip Sousa.”

Grand Valley faculty members and students will present selections from two operettas from the pen of “The March King” that had been lost to modern audiences: The Charlatan and The Bride Elect.

John Philip Sousa, a composer and conductor of the late Romantic era, was known primarily for American military and patriotic marches. He worked as a theater musician and conducted the U.S. Marine Band before starting his own civilian band in 1892. Sousa toured with his band for 40 years, composing 136 marches, 15 operettas and 70 songs. He wrote The Stars and Stripes Forever in 1896.

In one of the great misfortunes of American theater, Sousa’s operettas have been mostly lost to fire and neglect. It is often overlooked that Sousa’s appointment to conduct the U.S. Marine Band was directly tied to his success in operetta.

“These performances will provide a fascinating glimpse into a forgotten era of American music,” said Danny Phipps, chair of Music and Dance. “Full of spirited march melodies and an unmistakable aura of optimism, this is music to be dusted off and treasured once again.”

"Pioneers of American Musical Theatre: Music from the Lost Operettas of John Philip Sousa"
September 15, 7:30 p.m.
Louis Armstrong Theatre, Performing Arts Center
Allendale Campus
Free and open to the public

Since its start in 2003, Fall Arts Celebration has featured some of the preeminent writers, poets, musicians, dancers, artists and scholars of today. The tradition continues in 2014 with six signature events that aim to broaden horizons, help make sense of the unfamiliar and charm with the classics.

All Fall Arts Celebration events are open to the public with free admission. Seating is limited. For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/fallarts, or call (616) 331-2185.