Friday is in full swing at the MFA National Festival. Ensembles have been performing in three venues today (Clowes Memorial Hall, Hilbert Circle Theatre and Warren Performing Arts Center), and the Honor Ensemble students have been in rehearsals and master classes as well. The sounds emanating from the rehearsals are wonderful!
Jazz Band of America students have been busy today preparing for their concert this evening at 8:30 p.m. at Clowes Memorial Hall. Their sound check is in just a few hours. The Jazz Band has been working with conductor Shelly Berg, Dean of the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. He maintains a busy schedule of jazz performances and has performed and/or recorded with a “Who’s Who” of jazz legends, including Ray Brown, Louie Bellson, Eddie Daniels, Peter Erskine, Jon Faddis, Woody Herman, James Moody, Arturo Sandoval, Tom Scott, Clark Terry and Bill Watrous, to name a few. In addition, guest artist Allen Vizzutti will perform with the Jazz Band of America as part of this evening’s concert.
The Honor Orchestra of America has a concert this evening as well. They’ll perform both tonight and tomorrow night at 7 p.m. at Hilbert Circle Theatre in a shared concert with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. The ensemble has been working with conductor and music director Larry J. Livingston and guest artist Mark O’Connor, violin. Mr. Livingston is the Music Director of Thornton Orchestras at the Thornton School of Music. Reviews of Mr. Livingston have said his concerts feature, “long, unending applause, enthusiastic cheers, like at a rock concert.” Check out the concert this evening, and you can also see renowned violinist Mark O’Connor perform as guest artist.
You can also see what’s been going on this week at festival by viewing photos on Music for All’s facebook page, found here. All of us at Music for All are looking forward to the concerts this evening as well as the concerts tomorrow.
-Kristin
