Aug. 17, 2015

School of Music 50th Anniversary Events Continue this Fall

The Catholic University of America Benjamin T. Rome School of Music continues its 50th anniversary celebration in the fall with the following events:Sept. 26 "The Music of Faith in Times of War: Musical Treasures from Mid-17th Century Vienna" This illustrated musicology lecture and concert based on the research of Associate Professor Andrew H. Weaver will discuss how the emperor used music to successfully navigate through a disastrous war, revealing an inspirational story of the power of music and the Catholic faith. The performance features works for choir and vocal soloists, many of which have not been performed since the 17th century. The performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. in St. Vincent's Chapel, 620 Michigan Ave., N.E.Oct. 22-25 The Most Happy Fella The Musical Theatre Division presents Frank Loesser's beloved musical, which premiered on Broadway in 1956. Performances will take place Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23 and 24, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 25, at 2 p.m. at CUA's Hartke Theater, 3801 Harewood Road. Tickets are $40 for premium seating; $25 for general admission; $15 for seniors and CUA alumni/faculty/staff; and $5 for students and children under 8; and can be purchased at music.cua.edu. Nov. 7 "Sacred Music from the Bolivian Rainforest" The combined University choruses and members of the CUA Symphony Orchestra present the U.S. premiere of choral works discovered in the Bolivian rain forests by priest, scholar, editor, professor, conductor, and esteemed alumnus Rev. Piotr Nawrot (M.L.M. 1988, D.M.A. 1993). The performance will take place Saturday, Nov. 7, in the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Ave., N.E., at 7 p.m. Nov. 22 CUA Symphony Orchestra Presents the Music of Aaron Copland The CUA Symphony Orchestra presents a concert of the music of Aaron Copland, who received an honorary degree from CUA in 1979. The concert will feature Appalachian Spring and Rodeo in addition to other works by this beloved American composer. The performance will take place Sunday, Nov. 22, at the Church of the Little Flower, 5607 Massachusetts Ave., Bethesda, Md.

Various Dates Beethoven Piano Sonata Series The Piano Division will continue its yearlong series of all of Beethoven's 32 Sonatas performed in various locations around the D.C. metro area. Sept. 15 - Sonatas 17-21, Ward Recital Hall, 8 p.m.Sept. 20 - Special Concert including Sonatas 14, 17, 21, 29, National Portrait Gallery, 8th and F streets, N.W., Washington, D.C., 4 p.m.Oct. 6 - Sonatas 22-26, Ward Recital Hall, 8 p.m.Oct. 11 - Special Concert including Sonatas 23, 28, 31, and 32, Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and F streets, N.W., Washington, D.C., 3 p.m.Nov. 10 - Sonatas 27-29, Ward Recital Hall, 8 p.m. Nov. 23 - Sonatas 30-32, Ward Recital Hall, 8 p.m.Dec. 4 Annual Christmas Concert for Charity The 26th Annual Christmas Concert for Charity will be held on Friday, Dec. 4, at 7:30 p.m., in the Great Upper Church at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Ave., N.E., Washington, D.C. The choir will include performances by the CUA Combined Choruses and Symphony Orchestra, and the Choir of the Basilica. A freewill offering will be taken to benefit a local charity, which will be named later this fall.