Global Drums preparing for exotic event

trevor.kenney — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:57:53 +0000

Join Global Drums for another thrilling world tour and sample the exotic rhythms of Africa, Brazil, Japan and Latin America.

Global Drums and their special guests take to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre stage Apr. 1-2 at 8 p.m. nightly for a program of hard-hitting rhythms and unique cultural collaborations.

"Our concert has something for everyone," says Adam Mason, director. "Audiences can expect a fantastic night of entertainment featuring works from our Steel Drum Ensemble, African Drums, Taiko Ensemble, Brazilian and Samba Ensemble."

Joining Global Drums this year is a notable roster of guests. The Brazilian Samba Band welcomes world-renowned Brazilian Samba drumming artist, Jimmy Biala.

"Biala is from San Francisco and teaches Samba percussion worldwide. We're very excited to have him lead our Samba Band during the concert," says Mason.

Another highlight of the program is an inspired twist on Rhapsody in Blue, featuring pianist Glen Montgomery. Composed for piano and orchestra, the U of L Percussion Ensemble collaborates with Montgomery on this unique rendition of Gershwin's classic.

"We are also performing a fast and furious arrangement of Hopak, featuring the Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Club and saxophonist Ian Burleigh," adds Mason.

Consisting of more than 40 performers, Global Drums boasts the largest post-secondary percussion ensemble in the country.

"Our steel drum band proudly represented Canada at the 17th Annual Cultural Festival in Honolulu this March," says Mason.

With support from provincial funding and the Lethbridge Twinning Society, U of L students took to the stage along with ensembles from Korea, Japan and Tahiti.

To experience the electricity of Global Drums, tickets are available from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office, weekdays from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. or by calling 403-329-2616. Tickets are $15 regular and $10 senior/student.

For a look at the March issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Brass quintet takes to stage

trevor.kenney — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 22:08:35 +0000

An evening of lighthearted entertainment with the U of L Brass Quintet is in store for audiences attending the American in Paris concert, Saturday, Apr. 17 at 8 p.m. in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall.

This is the final concert of the season for the Faculty Artists and Friends series.

"The music featured is either French composed-American inspired, or American composed-French inspired," says Nick Sullivan, trombonist and music faculty. "The Brass Quintet is playing a transcription of Gershwin's American in Paris, with other offerings including selections from Porgy and Bess and Debussy's Gollywog's Cakewalk."

The U of L Brass Quintet is a relatively new ensemble to the Department of Music.

"We started the ensemble two years ago," says Sullivan. "We all love brass music, and with the support and talent of players at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and in the community, it seemed a perfect opportunity to come together and play some great brass chamber music."

Comprised of members Nick Sullivan, Dr. Thomas Staples, Trudi Mason, Gerald Rogers and Keith Griffioen, the U of L Brass Quintet was featured with the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra and with the Music at Noon concert series on campus.

In addition to the Brass Quintet, other friends are taking to the stage to continue the evening's French/American inspired program.

"Dr. Sandra Stringer and Elinor Lawson perform excerpts from the Aaron Copland's Emily Dickinson Songs and Peter Visentin is performing the Ravel Violin Sonata, the middle movement of which is inspired by Blues," says Dr. Brian Black, concert co-ordinator.

Tickets for this event are available from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office (403-329-2616), open Monday to Friday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $15 regular and $10 for students and seniors.

UNews - Gershwin

Global Drums preparing for exotic event

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Brass quintet takes to stage

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