All concerts begin at 8 p.m. in the Fine Artist Series, except for the April 20, 2009 concert which will be in the Chapel.

October 3, 2008The Atlantic Brass Quintet*

Founded in 1985 and acclaimed as one of the world’s finest brass ensembles, the Atlantic Brass Quintet has been heard in 48 states and more than a dozen countries across four continents. They perform a unique repertoire spanning Praetorius, Monteverdi, and Bach; Etler, Stravinsky, Rands; and brass music from the streets of Brazil, Cuba, the Balkans, and New Orleans. Winner of six international chamber music competitions, their distinctive sound, stunning virtuosity, and warm, inviting stage presence have won praise from scores of critics. The Atlantic Brass Quintet International Summer Seminar, established in 1993 and now in residence at Boston College, has secured the ensemble’s legacy to the next generation of brass musicians. The Atlantic Brass Quintet can be heard on Summit Records, Mark Classics, Musical Heritage Society, Solstice, and Crystal labels.

*This presentation is supported by the Performing Arts Fund, a program of Arts Midwest funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art, with additional contributions from Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs, General Mills Foundation, and Land O'Lakes Foundation.

November 1, 2008Jitro

Jitro, meaning “daybreak” in Czech, is based in Hradec Kralove, in the Czech Republic. Only 25-50 out of the 500 girls in seven preparatory ensembles qualify to tour. For 35 years they have been admired all over the world for their tone, intonation, and rich blend of sound and vitality. Considered one of the best children’s choirs in the world, Jitro has performed at prestigious European contests in over 100 appearances annually. Jitro has recorded 18 CDs on such labels as BMA, Classico, and Amabile. In 2003 Jitro won six gold medals from the International Song Festival in Olomouc, Czech Republic and three gold medals and a silver medal from the 2006 World Choir Games in Xiamen, China in July 2006. Artistic director and conductor Professor Jiri Skopal, Ph.D. has been associated with Jitro Czech Girls’ Choir since 1977. Skopal is a teacher, professor, and head of the Department of Music at the University of Hradec Kralove. He has published essays and choir education textbooks, and is the recipient of numerous awards and honors.

January 24, 2009Chanticleer

Named for the “clear-singing” rooster in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, Chanticleer was founded in 1978. Called “the world’s reigning male chorus,” by the New Yorker magazine Chanticleer performed more than 100 concerts in 2007-08. The GRAMMY Award-winning Chanticleer toured 22 states across the United States, including appearances at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C., and New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. In Fall 2007, Chanticleer’s newest Christmas CD, Let It Snow, was released by Warner Classics and Jazz. Chanticleer was named the 2008 “Ensemble of the Year” by the Musical America International Directory of the Performing Arts, the first vocal ensemble to be so recognized. Chanticleer—based in San Francisco—has developed a remarkable reputation for its vivid interpretations of vocal literature, from Renaissance to jazz, and from gospel to venturesome new music. With its seamless blend of twelve male voices, ranging from countertenor to bass, the ensemble has earned international renown as “an orchestra of voices.”

March 13, 2009The Eisenhower Dance Ensemble

Now in its eighteenth season, the Eisenhower Dance Ensemble (EDE), Michigan’s premier contemporary dance company, performs a diverse range of dance works. With the highly acclaimed choreography of its founder, artistic director Laurie Eisenhower, EDE showcases the works of young talented artists and those with established reputations. The company initiated its first choreographers’ competition in 2007 to encourage the creation of new work. The winner, Eddy O’Campo, has created a new work for the ensemble for this season. Based in metropolitan Detroit, EDE has achieved critical acclaim and enthusiastic audience support. The company tours nationally and internationally with 6-8 dancers and presents an annual subscription season. In 1995, EDE opened the EDE Center for Dance, to serve the company’s educational outreach programs. The school has grown to now include a satellite program at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center. This performance is co-sponsored by the Calvin Student Activities Office and the Calvin Dance Department

April 20, 2009Masaaki Suzuki, organ

Japanese organist, harpsichordist and conductor, Masaaki Suzuki, began playing organ at the age of 12. After graduating from Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music with a degree in composition and organ performance, he studied harpsichord and organ at the Sweelinck Conservatory in the Netherlands. After two years of study in Germany, he has presented concerts as organist and harpsichordist all over Japan, and has organized an acclaimed concert series at the chapel of Shoin Women’s University in Kobe. Suzuki also has acquired an outstanding reputation as a conductor. Since 1990 he has served as the musical director of the Bach Collegium Japan and works regularly with renowned European soloists and ensembles. Suzuki has won an enviable reputation for his interpretation of Bach’s cantatas and has given organ concerts across Europe. He teaches organ and harpsichord at Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music. This concert is presented with the Grand Rapids Bach Festival 2009.

All concerts are at 8:00 p.m. in the Calvin Fine Arts Center.
Each includes an educational outreach.

For additional information and tickets call: (616) 526-6282