Cross-Over Artists Matt Haimovitz and Christopher O’Riley at MSUM
“…Hearing a cello played with such fervor and excitement – not to mention high artistry – is a priceless experience.” – Los Angeles Times
Engagement includes O’Riley masterclass and Haimovitz “flash” event
When cellist Matt Haimovitz first performed in this community with the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony several years ago, music lovers of all types were so taken by him that a spur-of-the-moment, informal performance at a downtown eatery drew crowds that overflowed onto the sidewalk. Many people didn’t get to hear a note; the line to get in was too long and the space too packed.
He came to the community again five years ago with violinist Andy Simionescu, as part of MSUM’s Performing Arts Series, and drew a capacity crowd then, too.
On Sept. 19, at 7:30 p.m., on the Gaede Stage at MSUM, he returns yet again, this time with pianist Christopher O’Riley in a program dubbed “Shuffle. Play. Listen.” The music will be a diverse mix, crossing in and out of classical and pop genres, from Radiohead and Arcade Fire to Stravinsky, Gabrielli, Piazzolla and others. The first half of the performance will be pre-arranged. The second half of the concert will be programmed from the stage giving the artists the opportunity to share the context of the program, and allowing the music to flow seamlessly from one genre to the next.
The two artists will be in the community earlier that day for special events. At 1 p.m., O’Riley will lead a piano masterclass for a few advanced high school and college piano students in Fox Recital Hall. Interested listeners may attend the piano masterclass, but may not enter the hall late. If you wish to be in the audience, arrive 10 minutes early. Haimovitz will make a surprise appearance around noon somewhere in downtown Fargo. He enjoys “flash” performances at bars, malls and other public places.
Christopher O’Riley is recognized as one of the leading American pianists of his generation, touring extensively as a recitalist and chamber musician and appearing with every major orchestra. He hosts the popular NPR music program, “From the Top,” and has released a set of highly regarded recordings of the music of Radiohead, Nick Drake, and others. Haimovitz made his debut at the age of 13 as a soloist with Zubin Mehta and the Isreal Philharmonic. By age 17, he made his first recording for Deutsche Grammophon with James Levine and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He has re-defined what it means to be a classical musician today, bringing concerts of Bach, Golijov, and others to clubs and coffee houses across the country while maintaining a busy schedule of international appearances.
To purchase tickets to the Thursday evening performance, go to www.mnstate.edu/perform or call the MSUM Box Office at 218.477.2271 Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $28 for adults, $24 for seniors and $12 for students with student ID. Tickets are also available at the door if still available. The Gaede Stage and Fox Recital Hall are both located in the Roland Dille Center for the Arts on the southwest side of the MSUM campus.
For more information on these events, contact Performing Arts Series Director Rebecca Sundet-Schoenwald at 218. 477.2178 or email her at sundetre@mnstate.edu.