Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts is pleased to announce that its 11th season is filled with more exciting performances than ever. Joining the line-up in the 2001-02 season are: a new series with the Orchestra of St. Luke's Chamber Ensemble; live drama in our Black Box Theatre, i.e., a live radio drama and a play reading series; and, of course, many extraordinary music, dance, theatre and family performances.

And, as our Arts and Education series continues to grow, the Quick Center is designing more programs for the community. The great success of our recent Irish Arts and Letters Festival has encouraged us to create a fun-filled and educational set of events celebrating the French culture and its global contributions. This season's series titled, "A French Showcase: Evolving Arts," takes place from February through April 2002 and will be filled with theater, music, dance, film and more for the Francophiles among us.

The exhilarating 2001-02 season begins on Tuesday, September, 18, at 8 p.m., with an exciting not-to-be-missed "East Meets Jazz" concert of Indian and jazz fusion sounds featuring some of the greatest names in jazz, rock and R&B. Those musicians bringing a new sound in the field of fusion music are: Sandip Burman, tablo; Randy Brecker, trumpet; Steve Smith, drums; Howard Levy, harp; Jerry Goodman, violin, guitar; Paul Bollenback, guitar and Victor Bailey, bass.

The Quick Center welcomes singer/songwriter, Dar Williams, to its stage on Thursday, Oct. 4 at 8 p.m. One of the most acclaimed and evocative artists of her generation, Williams crafts tunes that resonate with passion and integrity and pushes her art to the next level with a collection of songs that are personal, dynamic and poignant.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago leads off our Dance America Series on Friday, Oct. 12, at 8 p.m. Blessed with razzle-dazzle style, HSDC has emerged as an innovative force in contemporary dance, combining theatrical jazz with modern and classical ballet techniques to create an unparalleled artistic style. The event will be preceded by an "Art to Heart" discussion with James A. Vincent, HSDC artistic director, at 7 p.m.

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center returns to the Quick Center for its ninth season on Saturday, Oct. 13, at 8 p.m., with an all Beethoven program. Guest artists include: renowned pianist Andre Watts; clarinetist David Shifrin, also the ensemble's artistic director; violinists Leila Josefowicz and Ani Kavafian; violist Paul Neubauer; and cellist Gary Hoffman. An "Art to Heart" pre-concert lecture with journalist Robert Sherman will take place at 7 p.m.

The Emerald Isle Series begins with a concert of traditional and catchy pop-rock music by Black 47 on Friday, Oct. 19, at 8 p.m. Known worldwide for their outstanding quality, Black 47 mixes its determination to be original with a black sense of humor that inspires not only its music but also its political and social ideals.

Spend "An Evening with the Joshua Redman Quartet" on Friday, Oct. 26, at 8 p.m. One of the best jazz musicians today, saxophonist Joshua Redman continues to explore new musical territory in his swinging and soulful style.

Barrage, a stunning visual and aural fusion of music, dance, theater and song centered around the ageless and powerful instrument, the violin, will take the audience by storm on Thursday, Nov. 1, at 8 p.m. This dynamic troupe of 11 fiddlers from Calgary, has elevated the violin to new and magical heights; their sound features a wide range of musical influences including Celtic, Calypso, swing, country, jazz, klezmer and more.

A giant of the keyboards, pianist Garrick Ohlsson, will perform an all Chopin program on Saturday, Nov. 3, at 8 p.m. Since his triumph as the winner of the 1970 Chopin International Piano Competition, Ohlsson has established himself as a musician of extraordinary interpretive power and prodigious technical facility. A pre-concert "Art to Heart" discussion with Dr. Laura Nash, director of the university's classical music department, takes place at 7 p.m.

The Orchestra of St. Luke's Chamber Ensemble begins the first of its three-concert series at the Quick Center with Bach's Brandenburg Concertos on Friday, Nov. 16, at 8 p.m. The ensemble is acclaimed worldwide for its mastery of a diverse repertoire spanning the Baroque to the contemporary; and its musicians are renowned for their creative energy and adventurous programming. A pre-concert "Art to Heart" discussion takes place at 7 p.m., with Howard Kissell, theater critic for the Daily News.

Grammy Award-winning pianist George Winston will be in concert at the Quick Center on Sunday, Dec. 2, at 3 p.m. This Windham/Hill Dancing Cat recording star grew up in Montana where he began his lifelong love and appreciation for nature which is reflected in his acclaimed solo piano renderings on a variety of nature's themes.

The Black Box Theatre productions begin on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 3 and 8 p.m. with the Radio Drama/Theatre's "Broadcasts of a Country at War." This show incorporates a collection of American radio scripts from the time of World War II, including a drama designed to rouse public enthusiasm for the war effort, as well as the then unsubstantiated news reports of D-Day - the largest single invasion in history - which had the nation glued to its radios for hours. The evening includes a post-show "Art to Heart" discussion with the company.

Get in the holiday spirit when the New Haven Symphony Orchestra returns to our stage for a concert with all the best loved carols and songs of the season on Saturday, Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m. Jung Ho Pak, musical director and Gerald Steichen, associate conductor and host, present "Home for the Holiday," featuring guest artists, the New Haven Heritage Chorale with Jonathan Berryman, director.

Dance lovers can start off the New Year right on Saturday, Jan. 26, at 8 p.m., when Philadanco, the Philadelphia Dance Company, performs "Messages from the Heart." Hailed by critics as "exuberant" (The New York Times) and "a miracle of skill and energy" (Dance Magazine), Philadanco has established itself as one of America's foremost dance ensembles. To celebrate its 31st season, this full evening's program - in the modern dance idiom - will be created by four of the most eminent female choreographers creating dance today: Eva Gholson, Bebe Miller, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar and Elise Mont. A post-show Q &A with the company is scheduled.

The Quick Center's "A French Showcase: Evolving Arts" will be launched with "Hunchback," a unique theatrical production with adult themes that mixes puppetry, mask, imagery, text and acrobatics with live music on Friday, Feb. 1, at 8 p.m. The Red Moon Theatre Company, which received rave reviews at the Henson International Puppet Festival for creating unique theatrical productions with often-fresh adaptations of popular classics for adults, will perform this show which magnificently exploits the dualities in Victor Hugo's classic work.

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center's second concert of the season on Saturday, Feb. 2, at 8 p.m., is an all Russian program. Guest artists are: violinists Cho-Liang Lin and Kyoko Takezawa; violists Paul Neubauer and Naoko Shimizu; cellists Gary Hoffman and Alisa Weilerstein; and pianist Jonathan Biss. A pre-concert talk by music critic Robert Sherman is planned.

Join Jimmy Bosch for a hot and steaming "Salsa Dura Dance Party" on Saturday, Feb. 9, at 8 p.m., or sign up for a pre-concert salsa lesson. Bosch, a most sought after trombonist/bandleader, is a fiery exponent of the New York sound called "Salsa Dura."

The Children of Uganda will be in residency at the Quick Center for the Arts the week of February 11, 2002. This award-winning song and dance troupe is comprised of 18 young Ugandan orphans who will share their traditional African culture with American audiences on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 14 and 15 during the day for school performances and in the evenings at 8 p.m. There will also be a morning family show on Saturday, Feb. 16. All proceeds from this tour provide education, food and shelter for hundreds of Ugandan orphans and sustain a U.S. scholarship program which provides educational opportunities for these children.

"Les Miserables" leads off the French Film package on Monday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. This 1995 film was directed by Claude Lelouch and written by Victor Hugo and Claude Lelouch. Other films to be screened are: Monday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m., "La Haine" ("The Hate" 1995), directed by Mathieu Kassovitz with Vincent Cassel, Hubert Kounde and Said Taghmaoui; Monday, March 11, at 7 p.m., "Les Enfants du Paradis" ("Children of Paradise" 1945), directed by Marcel Carne, written by Jacques Prevert, starring Arletty, Jean-Louis Barrault; and Monday, March 25, at 7 p.m., French Shorts - to be announced. A discussion and refreshments in the lobby will follow each film.

Two performances of "Sensual French Tales of Temptation and Suspense" by Guy De Maupassant, launch the theater component of the "French Showcase" on Saturday, Feb. 16, at 3 and 8 p.m. Enjoy these delightful tales of love, war and madness by the 19th-century master of the French short story, translated and adapted especially for this production. A post-show discussion with the company is planned.

Moliere's "The Learned Ladies" leads off the play-reading component of the French Showcase on Thursday, Feb. 21, at 7:30 p.m. Other readings scheduled are: Thursday, March 14, at 7:30 p.m., "Antigen" by Jean Annuli; and Wednesday, April 3, at 7:30 p.m., "The Madwoman of Chalet" by Jean Giradoux. All three plays are read in English and are presented in collaboration with the Theatre Artists Workshop.

Music Director James Sinclair will conduct Orchestra New England and CONCORA in Mozart's "Requiem" on Friday, Feb. 22, at 8 p.m. Performing and recording for more than 25 years, the orchestra, known for its presentation of major chamber works, will collaborate with CONCORA, a professional chorus whose extraordinary repertoire and artistic excellence is known throughout the region.

Anthony Kearns and the Gaelic-American Chorus will perform in a benefit concert for the Irish Scholarship Committee at Fairfield University for the Father John M. Conlisk Scholarship Fund on Friday, March 1, at 8 p.m. A legend in the music industry, Anthony Kearns has risen to popularity through the touring phenomenon, The Irish Tenors. A post-show reception in the lobby follows the concert.

Grammy Award-winning guitarist Sharon Isbin with Brazilian percussionist Thiago De Mello will perform in concert on Saturday, March 2, at 8 p.m. A student of Andres Segovia and acclaimed for her extraordinary lyricism, technique and versatility, Isbin is acknowledged as one of the pre-eminent guitarists of our time. Her award-winning recordings, including this concert's program called "Journey to the Amazon," explore works by composers such as Almedia, Davio, Lauro, Barrios, Montana, Brouwer, de Mello and Vianna. A pre-concert "Art to Heart" discussion begins at 7 p.m.

Steep yourself in the culture of Ireland at the Quick Center's annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration when the Trinity Irish Dance Company leaps on to our stage on Friday, March 8, at 8 p.m. Trinity has significantly changed the direction and scope of Irish dance, reintroducing the art form as the phenomenon it is today. A cutting-edge repertoire, flair and precision have earned the group international acclaim. A post-show "Art to Heart" Meet the Artists session and St. Patrick's celebration party are planned.

"Terror on the Airwaves," the third offering in the Black Box Theatre Radio Drama package, presents some of radio's scariest moments on Saturday, March 9, at 3 and 8 p.m. Listen and watch an episode of the first horror series in any mass medium; experience an obscure program distinguished by its uneasy psychological drama; and cringe to a show infamous for its truly shocking sound effects. A post-show discussion with the company is planned.

The Orchestra of St. Luke's Chamber Ensemble returns for their second concert, as part of the French Showcase, on Friday, March 22, at 8 p.m. Featured is baritone Kurt Ollmann who will perform Schubert and Ravel pieces. A pre-concert "Art to Heart" discussion takes place at 7 p.m., with Howard Kissell, theater critic for the Daily News.

The Emerald Isle Series presents the Karen Casey Band featuring Niall Vallely and Dervish who'll bring a little bit of heaven to Fairfield on Saturday, March 23, at 8 p.m. Casey, a violinist, has been described by the Wall Street Journal as one of the true glories of Irish music today. Since leaving Solas she has been touring worldwide with Dervish, her band from Ireland's County Sligo, considered the most soulful of traditional Irish bands.

The French Showcase continues when flutist Paula Robison, with Jeremy Denk on piano, performs an all French program including selections from Poulenc, Debussy, Goddard and Faure on Saturday, April 6, at 8 p.m. A pre-concert discussion at 7 p.m. with Dr. Laura Nash is planned.

Another French Showcase performance by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montreal with Gradimir Pankov, artistic director, takes place on Friday, April 12, at 8 p.m. Founded in 1957, LGBC has made a significant contribution to the evolution of dance in Canada and is now highly respected throughout the world. The company has confirmed its commitment to tradition by performing masterpieces of the 19th century together with commissioning new works by outstanding contemporary choreographers.

Wrapping up the French Showcase is the Paris Combo, a retro-cabaret quintet, on Thursday, April 25, at 8 p.m. Fronted by chanteuse, songwriter and accordion player Belle du Barry, the Paris Combo has achieved a jazzy and intriguing twist on the chanson tradition while at the same time celebrating the rich diversity of the city that is its namesake.

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center returns for its final concert of the season when it performs Rorem's World Premiere on Saturday, May 4, at 8 p.m. Guest artists include: Simon Keenlyside, baritone; Stephen Taylor, Allan Vogel, oboes; David Shifrin, clarinet; Frank Morelli, Milan Turovic, bassoons; William Purvis, Robin Graham, horns; Edgar Meyer, piano; and Malcolm Martineau on piano. A pre-concert "Art to Heart" discussion with the composer, Ned Rorem, is planned.

The final event on the Quick Center's calendar takes place on Friday, May 10, at 8 p.m. when the Orchestra of St. Luke's Chamber Ensemble performs an all Vivaldi program for its third concert of the season. A pre-concert "Art to Heart" discussion takes place at 7 p.m., with Howard Kissell, theater critic for the Daily News.

The Quick Center for the Arts is one of the few theaters in the area to offer free parking in one of three nearby lots, and the well-lighted Fairfield University campus is patrolled by security guards to ensure a safe and enjoyable performance.

Before each event, audiences are encouraged to tour the exhibits in the Quick Center's Thomas J. Walsh Art Gallery. Past shows have ranged from gorgeous Old Master paintings and classical sculpture to the experimental and avante garde. Or, patrons can just relax in the spacious lobby as concessions are open an hour prior to each performance.

Upcoming art exhibits include: "Perfectus-Imperfectus (1980-2000)," by Michael Dillon, from Sept. 20-Dec. 9, 2001; "Shall We Dance: A Century of African-Americans in Dance," from Jan. 28-March 3, 2002; "People from Foreign Lands" - photography by Claudia Schechter," from March 26-May 5, 2002; and "The Essential Moment - a Survey of the Paintings, Works on Paper and Sculpture of Joseph Peller," from June 7-Aug. 4, 2002.

Discounts are available to subscribers and groups. For ticket information or a copy of the Quick Center's 2001-02 calendar, call the box office at (203) 254-4010 or toll-free at 1-877-ARTS-396.

Posted On: 05-01-2001 09:05 AM

Volume: 33 Number: 201