EVENT: Music Department Showcases Ensembles during Meliora Weekend

A variety of concerts, featuring a range of music from popular to classical, have been scheduled by the Department of Music in the College of the University of Rochester during Meliora Weekend next month. All the concerts are open to the public and most are free.

The department's offerings for the weekend, an annual celebration that draws students, parents, alumni, and friends to the River Campus for three days of events, begin with a concert by the Chamber Orchestra at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, in Strong Auditorium. David Harman, professor of music and director of orchestral activities, will conduct a program that includes the overtures to Rossini's The Barber of Seville, Mendelssohn's A Midsummernight's Dream, and Schickele's The Civilian Barber. Admission is free.

The a cappella sounds of the Midnight Ramblers, an all-male group, and After Hours, a co-ed group, are featured in "Rochester Sings!" later that day, Friday, Oct. 10, at 7:30 p.m. in Strong Auditorium. Alumni from both student ensembles will join in the performances, which are being coordinated by L. Brett Scott, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities. Admission to this event is $5.

The Symphony Orchestra and University Choir will offer a free concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, in Strong Auditorium. Zora Mihailovich, the music department's artist-in-residence, will perform Beethoven's Piano Concert No. 5, opus 37 (Emperor). The program also includes Poulenc's Gloria with soprano Pamela Kurau and Bernstein's Overture to "Candide."

On Sunday, Oct. 12, the Wind Symphony will give a free performance at 2 p.m. in Strong Auditorium. Conductor Cindi Johnston-Turner will lead the ensemble in Shostakovich's Folk Dances, Bernstein's Slava, and Husa's Al Fresco.

Rounding out the musical weekend is a joint concert and worship service at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, in the Interfaith Chapel sponsored by the Undergraduate Christian Fellowship and the Gospel Choir. Directed by Bishop Greg Parris, director of chaplaincy services, and the Rev. Alvin Parris III, instructor and director of the Gospel Choir, the concert also will feature the Church of Love Victory Voices and tenor Chad DeHaven of Roberts Wesleyan College. Admission is free.