The College of Fine Arts at Stephen F. Austin State University continues its tradition of bringing professional artists to East Texas in presenting five national touring acts in the 2015-2016 University Series.
This interesting mix of performance art brings Bharatanatyam dance from India, gypsy swing from San Francisco and the story of Dracula from the pages of Bram Stoker’s timeless horror story to the W.M. Turner stage. The series also features a famous family of pianists and a dazzling soprano from Texas, according to John W. Goodall, associate dean of the College of Fine Arts.
“Designed to bring quality fine arts experiences to East Texas, the series consists of five highly acclaimed professional touring groups,” Goodall said. “This year, we are going back to our roots in being reflective of the early years of the University Series, featuring touring acts only while at the same time significantly lowering our prices and streamlining the process for ordering tickets.
“This year’s series offers a wide range of artistic talent, from dance to music to theater,” he said. “It’s going to be another great season, and one our loyal University Series patrons, and newcomers alike, will not want to miss.”
The new series opens Thursday, Sept. 17, with Sonali Skandan & Jiva Dance Company presenting compelling and dynamic works based on the timeless idiom of Bharatanatyam. Jiva Dance sees the importance of preserving and promoting the traditional arts, yet also understands the need to incorporate innovative techniques to reach diverse audiences. The performance is sponsored in part by Commercial Bank of Texas.
An evening of vintage silent films accompanied by live gypsy swing will hit Turner stage Thursday, Oct. 22, when The Hot Club of San Francisco presents “Cinema Vivant,” a celebration of imagination and innovation. Like the wandering gypsy musicians of the 1930s, these artists play their guitars and fiddles while matching movements on a large screen with characteristic virtuosity, passion and humor. The performance is sponsored in part by BancorpSouth.
The widely popular The 5 Browns will bring their Christmas spirit to Turner Auditorium when the sibling pianists perform Friday, Dec. 18, as part of the series. The 5 Browns are delivering on their dream to wake up classical music by introducing it to the widest, largest and most excited audience they can find. Whether performing individually or together in duos or complex five-piano arrangements, The 5 Browns reveal a deep connection to the intent of their material while bringing a fresh energy and dynamic character to the color and tonal spectrum of their sound. This performance is sponsored in part by Nacogdoches Medical Center.
Over the years, the story of Dracula has been used as commentary in modern studies of psychology, women’s issues and colonialism, while never losing its place as one of the greatest horror stories ever told. L.A. Theatre Works is the foremost radio theater company in the United States, and this presentation of “Dracula” is immediate, spontaneous, and features a first-rate cast, live sound effects, and a connection to the audience rarely felt in a traditional theater setting. This performance is sponsored in part by Lehmann Eye Center.
A native of Texas, Ava Pine continues to dazzle audiences and critics with her rewarding vocalism and compelling commitment to character, creating vivid and captivating portraits on stage. Equally at home with opera, oratorio or recital, and accomplished in works ranging from baroque to contemporary, she brings great vocal and dramatic range to her work. This performance is sponsored in part by: Cataract, Glaucoma & Retina Consultants of East Texas/Benchmark Optical.
Season tickets for the complete 2015-2016 University Series go on sale Aug. 3 and are $100 for adults, $80 for seniors and $40 for students. Single event ticket prices are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $10 for students/youth.
“These are fantastic prices for quality entertainment,” said Diane Peterson, Fine Arts Box Office manager. “Season tickets provide a 25-percent savings over single tickets, and patrons can have their same seat throughout the season.
“Plus, we offer season-ticket options,” she said. “The classic package includes one ticket to each of the five performances, and the TixMix package allows patrons to create their own season.”
Single-event ticket purchases for the University Series or any of the other performances presented through the College of Fine Arts can be made beginning Monday, Aug. 17.
For more information on the 2015-2016 University Series, visit finearts.sfasu.edu, stop by the Box Office in Room 211 of the Griffith Fine Arts Building, or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. in Turner Auditorium, which is also located in the Griffith Fine Arts Building, 2222 Alumni Drive.
For a complete schedule of all College of Fine Arts events in art, music and theatre, visit finearts.sfasu.edu.
