THIS CAUGHT MY EYE …
Admittedly, it’s been a long time since I was a college student, and I don’t miss what I remember as the pressurized final rush each December to get all those year-end papers and projects done.
So I can imagine, appreciate even, that the students in the Department of Music and Dance at the University of Massachusetts Amherst might be feeling a bit of pressure this week as they prepare for a series of end-of-semester concerts. But, while they may be stressed out, the rest of us can kick back and enjoy their many concerts coming up this week.
And it’s quite a line-up; I’m pretty sure there’s something here for everyone, starting with the weekend:
On Saturday, in a ticketed event, the Marimba Bands & Ensembles cover a wide range of artists, from Beethoven to Rimsky-Korsakov to Alicia Keys. 7:30, Bowker Auditorium, UMass.
Then, on Sunday, students with the University Chorale, Women’s Choir and Recital Choir will step off campus to perform music by Mendelssohn, Morley and Michael (Jackson, that is), plus much, much more. They will be joined by Springfield’s High School of Commerce Madrigal Singers and Choir, who will sing two gospel arrangements: “Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke and “I Need You to Survive” by Hezekiah Walker. It all begins at 3 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 165 Main St., Amherst, and this is a free one, folks.
AND THIS …
On Monday, a (ticketed) chamber music concert with UMass Strings offers a pleasing array of music by Beethoven, Schubert, Dvorak, Brahms, Haydn, Smetana and Debussy. 7:30 p.m., Bezanson Recital Hall, UMass
They jazz things up Tuesday with a concert by Jazz Ensemble I that features new compositions by jazz grad students and an alum, plus Big Band tunes and holiday melodies. The ticketed concert’s at 7:30 p.m. at Bowker Auditorium.
AND THIS …
Finally, the UMass Symphony Band & Percussion Ensemble have Wednesday covered with a ticketed, travel-themed concert with music by Stamp (“Gavorkna Fanfare”), Birous (“Shadow Falls”); Arnold’s Prelude, Siciliano, and Rondo), and more. This one’s in the Big Room — the Fine Arts Center Concert Hall, at 7:30 p.m.
And now, a message to the students (and their teachers): Go home, relax, and thanks for the music.
For ticketed concerts, the cost is $10 for general admission; $3 for UMass students; and $5 for other students, children and seniors. To reserve, or for information, call the UMass Fine Arts Center box office at 545-2511 or visit www.fineartscenter.com/musicanddance.