Marimbists bring music to Rochester

More than 150 marimbists from around the world will converge on the Eastman School next month for the Leigh Howard Stevens International Marimba Competition and Festival.

The prestigious event, to be held August 2-9, includes four rounds of competition (versatility, contemporary music, Bach, and the final free round). Participants will compete for a new five-octave Malletech marimba, the chance to perform in Rochester and at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, a complete set of mallets made by Malletech, and a special prize awarded by the Eastman School to the most versatile performer.

The public is invited to the free opening concert at 7 p.m., Sunday, August 2, in Kilbourn Hall. Some of the competition's 1995 winners wil perform, including Eric Sammut of France, Kuniko Kato of Japan, and Hsin-Yi Wu of Taiwan.

The grand finale concert, featuring the winners of this year's competition, also is open to the public. It will be held at 8 p.m., Saturday, August 8 in Kilbourn Hall. Admission is $15 for the public and $10 for students and seniors.

Eastman also will offer a Marimba Institute that will give students credit for attendance at the event. Students must keep a journal on the festival lectures, a list of repertoire heard, and their observations on the competition rounds. They will receive an official transcript from the Eastman School.

"The Eastman School is thrilled to be hosting this international event," said Eastman coordinator Ruth Cahn. "It makes good sense, since many of the most influential performers on the marimba were trained at Eastman by John Beck. This is a celebration of Eastman's involvement with the marimba."

For tickets to the grand finale concert, call Ticket Express, 222-5000.