By Jordan Beach
Student performance from last year’s festival.
The last week of February will bring a wide variety of opportunities and performances for artists and the community to learn from and enjoy.
From Feb. 23-25, Reinhardt University’s School of Performing Arts will host the fifth annual Contemporary Arts Festival to celebrate the diverse artistic culture on Reinhardt’s campus and to bring in prestigious artists who will serve to inspire and teach all who are interested in growing their art form.
This year’s festival will feature composer Daron Hagen as a special guest. Hagen is a critically acclaimed composer, operatic polymath and writer who has created five symphonies, a dozen concertos, 13 operas, countless chamber music and more than 350 art songs.
“Daron Hagen’s music and presence at this year’s festival will provide RU students and faculty the opportunity to hear not only the compositions of a world-class artist, but also his words, straight from his lips, as he will be speaking and fielding questions at many of our events,” said Cody Brookshire, adjunct professor of music and festival coordinator.
The Chamber Cartel will also make an appearance at the festival to perform a concert. The band is based in Atlanta and plays contemporary chamber music.
“The Chamber Cartel concert on Sunday is sure to be an ear-and-eye opening event with the performance of intriguing and cutting-edge instrumental music,” Brookshire said.
Brookshire hopes students from all disciplines will make plans to enjoy the many events the festival has to offer.
“Ultimately, our hope is that students from across campus will attend these events to be entertained, to have their perspective enriched, and to have worldview broadened.
Come hear the eclectic and varied avenues that music in the 21st century explores.”
The schedule for the festival is as follows:
Sunday, Feb. 23
Sunday Concert Series: Chamber Cartel | 2 p.m. | Flint Hall, Falany Performing Arts Center
The Chamber Cartel plays adventurous contemporary chamber music. The concert will feature a special performance of “Harmoniemusik” by Hans Thomalla.
New Music Variety Concert, featuring the music of Daron Hagen | 7:30 p.m. | Flint Hall, Falany Performing Arts Center
This concert is specifically dedicated to contemporary and modern music. Several pieces that will open the concert are written by Reinhardt students. A number of works during the concert are composed by festival guest, Daron Hagen, and will be performed by Reinhardt students.
Monday, Feb. 24
Performance of Daron Hagen’s “Broken Pieces,” Q & A and Meet and Greet | 7:30 p.m. | Falany Performing Arts Center Atrium
Join Reinhardt music faculty Drs. Anne and Cory Schantz for a unique and intimate performance of “Broken Pieces” from New York Stories composed by Daron Hagen. The composer will be present for the performance and will offer a reading from his latest publication followed by a Question and Answer session and a Meet and Greet.
Tuesday, Feb. 25
Daron Hagen Reading and Presentation, and Composition Masterclass | 11 a.m. | Room 207, Falany Performing Arts Center
Festival guest Daron Hagen will offer his perspectives on music followed by a public lesson with Reinhardt music composition students. Seating is very limited.
Wind Ensemble Concert | 7:30 p.m. | Flint Hall, Falany Performing Arts Center
The Reinhardt University Wind Ensemble, led by director Daniel Kirk, will offer an evening of exciting music for winds and percussion, featuring a performance of “Bandana Overture” composed by festival guest Daron Hagen.
