A new collaboration between the Lincoln Center and Colorado State University
This fall, the Colorado State University Dept. of Music, Theatre and Dance and the Fort Collins Lincoln Center launched the Classical Convergence Concert Series; the series features traditional classical solo artists and chamber ensembles, while further exploring the full spectrum of the classical music genre.
Building on the classical concert programs of both organizations, the co-produced season features seven world-class performers and ensembles – performing at the University Center for the Arts and the Lincoln Center – including Grammy award-winning violinist Joshua Bell, as well as pianist Jeremy Denk, Mother Falcon, Borromeo String Quartet, Orchid Ensemble, Classical Jam, and the Mendelssohn Trio.
“By working together, we transcend our combined pasts and really explore the depths of musicianship, from traditional Western interpretation of the masters, to contemporary artists using classical instrumentation and training to expand the boundaries of the genre,” said Jack Rogers, general manager for the Lincoln Center.
Critical components of the endeavor are artist-student interaction and community engagement opportunities. Classical Convergence artists will give master classes at CSU, providing dynamic, hands-on instruction in an informal setting; the sessions will be free and open for public observation.
“The series allows us to thoroughly examine the intersection of world-class performers and our community, creating intimate experiences that allow for real interaction with these artists,” added Rogers.
The series was announced to a combined group of thrilled CSU and Lincoln Center patrons last May. "By co-producing one series and sharing resources to bring in higher profile performers, we not only expand our patron demographic, but enhance the communities we serve,” said Jennifer Clary, University Center for the Arts marketing director.
Tickets
Tickets are available at the Lincoln Center box office at 417 West Magnolia Street, by phone at (970) 221-6730 (2787), or online at tickets.lctix.com.
- Classical Convergence Series Tickets: $189/169/159
- Joshua Bell at the Lincoln Center, Single Tickets: $75/55/45
- University Center for the Arts Concerts, Single Tickets: $20/10
2014 – 2015 Classical Convergence Season:
Mother Falcon
Friday, Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Griffin Concert Hall, University Center for the Arts
The indie orchestra of twenty has created a signature soundscape by blending rock, jazz and hip hop rhythms with swirling horns and strings that alternately lead and support equally inventive vocal arrangements.
Borromeo String Quartet
Friday, Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m.
Griffin Concert Hall, University Center for the Arts
The visionary performances and pioneering use of technology have established the ensemble as one of the most important string quartets of our time.
Orchid Ensemble with the CSU Concert Choir
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m.
Organ Recital Hall, University Center for the Arts
The ensemble blends ancient musical instruments and traditions from China with contemporary Chinese ideas, world music, new music, jazz, and creative improvisation, creating a beautiful new sound.
Mendelssohn Trio
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m.
Organ Recital Hall, University Center for the Arts, 1400 Remington St.
The trio is named for CSU cello professor Barbara Thiem’s great grandfather, Franz von Mendelssohn, a nephew of Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, and an important supporter of artists and musicians in the Berlin of the early 20th century.
Jeremy Denk
Tuesday, Jan., 20, 2015, 7:30 p.m.
Griffin Concert Hall, University Center for the Arts
One of America’s most thought-provoking, multi-faceted, and compelling artists, pianist Jeremy Denk is the winner of a 2013 MacArthur Fellowship, the 2014 Avery Fisher Prize, and Musical America’s 2014 Instrumentalist of the Year award.
Joshua Bell, Violin
Thursday, March 12, 2015, 7:30 p.m.
Lincoln Center Performance Hall
Often referred to as the “poet of the violin,” Joshua Bell’s stunning virtuosity, beautiful tone, and charismatic stage presence have brought him universal acclaim. An Avery Fisher Prize recipient, Bell received the New York Recording Academy Honors in June 2013 and was recently appointed Music Director of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields.
Classical Jam
Saturday April 4, 2015, 7:30 p.m.
Griffin Concert Hall, University Center for the Arts
Engaging, lively, high-caliber performances with a wide-ranging repertoire of traditional classical works, exciting improvisations, world music, commissioned new works, and original compositions.
Borromeo String Quartet
Saturday, April 18, 2015, 7:30 p.m.
Griffin Concert Hall, University Center for the Art
Colorado State University’s ensemble-in-residence closes out the Classical Convergence inaugural season.