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Nicholas Marks' music is a fiery blend of American Pop music intertwined with a Spanish flamenco beat and Gypsy rhythm. It sets your soul on fire making it difficult to sit still. Not only are adults enamored by his playing but children love it as well. Whether he is holding his guitar high over his head, behind his back, or down on his knees, his music mesmerizes. You will not want to miss Marks' performance with music that resonates passion, love and romance in every chord.

Brilliant vocal harmonies, an inspired lyrical creativity, and powerful, uncompromising testimonies pervade an evening with the award-winning Heritage Singers. This talented group of professional musicians features carefully selected vocalists with vocal styles ranging from traditional to contemporary Christian. Celebrating 50 years of ministry, Heritage has continued to bring the love of Jesus to millions through the international language of music.

Known for his standout soulful, pop vocals and songs that bring a modern and fresh feel, Jordan Feliz has released three studio albums, Beloved in 2015, The River in 2016, with Centricity Music and Future in 2018. His song, “The River,” has charted on the Billboard magazine Christian Songs, Christian Airplay, and Christian Digital Songs charts. Growing up listening to R&B artists and early groove-funk-soul singers, Jordan's own musical sound has been greatly influenced by these styles. A native of California, Jordan and his wife moved to Nashville just a few years ago to continue his music ministry.  Jordan’s first single “Witness” from his album “Future” is in the top 20 on all Christian Radio Charts. Do not miss hearing Jordan Feliz in person at the Howard Performing Arts Center.

Please check back for updates as the concert date draws near.

Livestream Link: www.facebook.com/AndrewsUniversityMusic

Limited FREE tickets available to Andrews University music majors and minors, the Enjoyment of Music class, current Andrews University students and current Andrews University staff. You can pick up your ticket at the Howard Center office.

Andrews University Symphony Orchestra’s Young Artist Celebration: Part II

Featuring soloist Nathaniel Cogen (piano)

Conducted by Chris Wild & Kristii Rasmussen

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Andrews University Department of Music was able to continue the annual Young Artist Competition this year, with faculty members listening to students audition for the opportunity to perform with the Symphony Orchestra back in November. From a large group of talented musicians, four students were selected to perform with the orchestra—pianist Nathaniel Cogen will be featured in this concert, and other winners Simon Luke Brown, Emily Jurek and Jeremy Jerim Myung performed with the orchestra back on Feb. 13.

This evening’s concert will begin with Nathaniel Cogen as the piano soloist in Ludwig van Beethoven’s "Piano Concerto No. 5," nicknamed the "Emperor" concerto for its dedicatee, Archduke Rudolf of Austria. It was common for Beethoven to issue a dedication to an aristocrat in hopes of earning a valuable gift or fee that would help cover his living expenses. Archduke Rudolf was not only a nobleman but was also ordained as a Cardinal-Archbishop in the Roman Catholic church and enjoyed an extended relationship with Beethoven, who gave the nobleman lessons on piano and composition, and in return, the Archduke sponsored multiple compositions of Beethoven’s. Known for its might and majesty, the "Emperor" concerto is notable for demonstrating the modern capabilities of the grand piano, at times displaying its powers as equivalent to the sound of the full orchestra. In previous piano concerti, the smaller pianoforte instrument sounded more delicate and needed to be given ample room by composers to be heard. This performance of Beethoven’s "Piano Concerto No. 5" also contributes to celebrations at Andrews of the composer’s 250th birthday, foreshadowing an upcoming performance of his "Symphony No. 9" on May 1.

The two remaining ensemble works on the evening’s program were composed by young artist composers, each representing some of the earliest known works by two celebrated Russians, Dmitri Shostakovich and Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Shostakovich’s "Polka from the Golden Age" showcases members of the AUSO that didn’t perform in Beethoven’s Classical-oriented orchestra, relying especially on members of the brass section. In typical Shostakovich fashion, this "Polka" takes a unique approach to musical expression, mixing in elements of humor, wit and danger. This performance will be conducted by graduate student Kristii Rasmussen.

Tchaikovsky took nearly a decade to complete his final version of "Romeo and Juliet," an orchestral depiction of William Shakespeare’s beloved play. The revision process for this piece was influenced by a long correspondence of Tchaikovsky’s with composer and conductor Mily Balakirev. Ultimately, it was difficult for the young Tchaikovsky to earn the approval or praise of his elder composers because he was interested in forging a new musical path for himself. At that point in time, Russia’s best known composers such as Glinka and Mussorgsky had dismissed Western European influences and instead focused on incorporating Russian Folk music into their compositions. Since Tchaikovsky allowed himself to be influenced by the Classical forms and trending Romantic sensibilities of Western Europe, he had to work with patience and determination to find acceptance in the emerging musical cities of Russia. In this regard, his earliest successes can be identified in this vivid orchestral setting of "Romeo and Juliet."

Program:

Ludwig van Beethoven—"Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major 'Emperor,' 1st movement"

-Break-

Dmitri Shostakovich, arr. Chris Wild—"Polka from 'The Golden Age'"

-Break-

Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky—"Romeo & Juliet Fantasy Overture"

Livestream Link: www.facebook.com/AndrewsUniversityMusic

Limited FREE tickets available to Andrews University music majors and minors, the Enjoyment of Music class, current Andrews University students and current Andrews University staff. You can pick up your ticket at the Howard Center office.

Please check back for updates as the concert date draws near.

Wind Symphony

Conductor: Byron Graves

The Andrews University Wind Symphony maintains a significant travel schedule throughout the Great Lakes area and seeks to provide high quality music programs and concerts representative of Adventist education and Andrews University. The Wind Symphony has performed in England, France, Spain, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Canada and throughout the United States.

Nicholas Marks' music is a fiery blend of American Pop music intertwined with a Spanish flamenco beat and Gypsy rhythm. It sets your soul on fire making it difficult to sit still. Not only are adults enamored by his playing but children love it as well. Whether he is holding his guitar high over his head, behind his back, or down on his knees, his music mesmerizes. You will not want to miss Marks' performance with music that resonates passion, love and romance in every chord.

Please check back for updates as the concert date draws near.

Livestream Link: www.facebook.com/andrewsacademyaa

Limited FREE tickets available to current Andrews Academy students, AA faculty, AA staff and persons living in the same household as the Andrews Academy student, faculty and staff. Tickets are also available to RMES students, faculty, staff and persons living in the same household.

Please join us for the Andrews Academy Band and Orion Strings concert on March 10, 2021. The concert will be livestreamed on YouTube and on the Andrews Academy Facebook page.