91B0FBB4-04A9-D5D7-16F0F3976AA697ED
C9A22247-E776-B892-2D807E7555171534
The Performing Arts at Hamilton announces the 2000-2001 Season of Contemporary Voices and Visions and Classical Connections, two series of world-class professional performances presented at Wellin Concert Hall in the Schambach Center for Music and the Performing Arts on the campus of Hamilton College. From explosive West African drumming and traditional American percussive dance to the beautiful classical ballet and superb chamber ensembles, both series offer magnificent performances from around the country and around the world.

The Contemporary Voices and Visions series opens with Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble on Saturday, September 16 at 8 p.m. Perfect for the entire family, this fast paced, witty ensemble presents a uniquely American story in an exuberant fusion of live music, comedy, singing and a dazzling array of percussive dance forms rooted in different cultures. On Saturday, October 21 at 8 p.m. the Michael Brecker Jazz Quartet takes the stage. The recipient of two Grammy Awards, Michael Brecker is one of jazz's most sensational saxophone soloists. The United Kingdom's Gramophone says, "Michael Brecker is indeed fearsome...he is probably the best tenor in the world today."

In a special matinee performance on Sunday, November 12 at 3 p.m., the six highly creative musicians of Les Percussions de Strasbourg will engage the audience in a concert that features unusual instruments of unparalleled diversity. Together they are able to play over 400 different percussive instruments. WOFA, Percussion and Drums from Guinea, West Africa performs on Friday, February 16, 2001 at 8 p.m. WOFA, which means, "let's go" or "come together, come along," in the Soso dialect brings African dance and drums to Hamilton College with pulsing rhythm and infectious enthusiasm. Rounding out the Contemporary Voices and Visions series is eighth blackbird on Saturday, April 21, at 8 p.m. Taking their name from the Wallace Stevens poem, "Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird," eighth blackbird is one of the most exciting young ensembles performing today.

Marian McPartland, the undisputed reigning queen of jazz piano, opens the Classical Connections series on Saturday, October 7 at 8 p.m. in an event that is sponsored by the Hamilton College Jazz Archive. Brimming with a style that is uniquely her own — a timeless style that is distinguished by her considerable grace and elegance, Marian McPartland is one of the most important figures in jazz today. Saturday, November 18 brings the Pacifica Quartet at 8 p.m. Heralded as one of today's most dynamic and exciting young string quartets, the Pacifica have been the recipients of some of chamber music's most prestigious awards and honors. The Los Angeles Times describes their playing as, "compellingly expressive."

In the new year, the American Ballet Theatre Studio performs on Saturday, January 20, 2001 at 8 p.m. These young dancers are handpicked by the artistic staff of American Ballet Theatre for their amazing ability. The New Jersey Star Ledger says, "The ABT Studio company delights audiences with its youthful vigor and panache, these dancers are firecrackers!"

The Classical Connections series concludes with pianist Awadagin Pratt on Saturday, February 10 at 8 p.m. and The Syracuse Symphony Orchestra and guest Terrence Wilson on Sunday, February 18 at 3 p.m. Pratt is increasingly acclaimed as one of tomorrow's superstars. Newsweek describes Pratt as "playing with a full-bodied intensity that can be at times intimate and grandly heart-wrenching." The Syracuse Symphony will perform an all-American program that will include the works of Larson, Copland, Bernstein and Gershwin's famed Rhapsody in Blue with Mr. Wilson, who is lauded as one of today's most gifted pianists.

For more information or a detailed season brochure, call the Performing Arts Box Office at (315) 859-4331. All performances are general admission. Five concert season subscriptions are $40 each for the general public with discounts for seniors and students. Individual tickets are also available for $15 each.

Help us provide an accessible education, offer innovative resources and programs, and foster intellectual exploration.

Site Search