This concert titled "Autumn Joy" is very special to Musica Viva due to the special works being performed, and the special guests coming to join the local artists. Pianist Elizabeth Schumann who grew up in Blacksburg, continued her piano study in some of the best conservatories, won International competitions and special prizes is returning to Blacksburg for this performance. Other guests are Sam Suggs who played the bass part of the famous "Trout" quintet last season, plus violists Diane Phenix-neal (first time on this series) and Amadi Azikiwe who is well known to the audience.
The program begins with a very beautiful Rondo for piano 4 hands, performed by Elizabeth Schumann and her former teacher Teresa Ehrlich. Next will be a jazzy piano quintet by american composer Richard Ratner. This is a Virginia premiere, and it is quite accessible and full of brilliance and emotions. The program will conclude with the dazzling Mendelssohn piano sextet, a very virtuoso part which Mendelssohn wrote for himself to show-off his great piano playing. It is entertaining, gets faster and faster towards the end, and also uses very unusual instrumentation by having one violin with two violas.
This promises to be an exciting concert worthy of it's title "Autumn Joy"
More information...

Location:	Squires Recital Salon
Price:	$20 in advance, $25 day of concert; Students with ID $15; Under 18 $7
Contact:	David Ehrlich ehrlich@vt.edu 953-2222
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