The 2022 Clarinet Composers Series event, “Spooky Space Jam,” is a three-day celebration of the clarinet compositions of composer Jonathan Russell.

All varied and unique, Dr. Wesley Ferreira and the Colorado State University clarinet students will perform selected works from Russell’s repertoire. The festival begins on Thursday, May 5 with faculty artists Wesley Ferreira and Barbara Thiem performing “Double Concerto,” a brilliant work for clarinet and cello together with the University Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Wes Kenney. The festival continues with an encore performance on May 6 and culminates on May 7 with an exciting day that includes a pre-concert talk by Jonathan Russell followed by a performance by the composer. Other highlights include recitals by CSU clarinet students—who will be working directly with the composer during his stay—in preparation for the performance of over ten exciting and varied works selected by Russell, each highlighting his compositional journey and evolution.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS / VISIT CSUARTSTICKETS.COM 

Thursday, May 5 — CSU Symphony Orchestra Concert (In-person and Livestream)
Wesley Ferreira and Barbara Theim “Double Concerto” by Jonathan Russell.
7:30 p.m., Griffin Concert Hall, UCA; Tickets 

Friday, May 6 — Jonathan Russell speaks of his compositions and career
11 a.m., Room 142, UCA; FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Friday, May 6 — CSU Symphony Orchestra Concert (In-person and Livestream)
Wesley Ferreira and Barbara Theim “Double Concerto” by Jonathan Russell.
7:30 p.m., Griffin Concert Hall, UCA; Tickets 

Saturday, May 7 — Pre-concert talk
11:30 a.m., Organ Recital Hall, UCA; FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Saturday, May 7 — Jonathan Russell clarinet compositions recital — PART 1 (In-person and Livestream)
Opening performance featuring Johnathan Russell on the clarinet performing one of his own works! The talented CSU clarinet students will also perform solo and chamber pieces selected by Russell that highlight his compositional journey and evolution.
12 p.m., Organ Recital Hall, UCA; FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC; LIVESTREAM ACCESS

About Jonathan Russell

Clarinetist, Jonathan Russell. Photo by Molly Decoudreaux

Jonathan Russell (b. 1979) creates music by turns tender and fierce, playful and profound, raw and refined, propulsive and still. In his work, he seeks to embody and express the full range of human experience in a way that speaks directly to people’s hearts, minds, and bodies. The extraordinary sound and spirit of the bass clarinet is a driving force behind much of Jonathan’s compositional work. His numerous compositions for bass clarinet(s) include solo works, sonatas, concertos, duets, trios, quartets, chamber works, and large bass clarinet ensembles. He was a longtime member of the Edmund Welles bass clarinet quartet, is a current member of the Sqwonk bass clarinet duo, and is founder and leader of Improbable Beasts, a professional 15-member bass clarinet ensemble in the Boston area. Many of Jonathan’s most meaningful projects have involved collaborations with or responses to other artists. He has composed music to accompany street art, stained glass, wood-carving, dance, and film. As a performer, Jonathan appears frequently as a bass clarinet soloist, and as a classical and klezmer clarinetist. He is also a sought-after guest clinician in composition, clarinet/bass clarinet, and creative/unusual musical career paths. A card-carrying music theory nerd, Jonathan’s doctoral dissertation is a 400+ page harmonic analysis of the entire Rite of Spring. He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with his wife and 5-year-old son. Visit www.jonrussellmusic.com for more information.