Cal Poly Humboldt’s Welcome Concert Showcases Diverse Musical Talent

The Cal Poly Humboldt Department of Dance, Music and Theatre is set to host its Welcome Concert on March 16, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. This eagerly anticipated event will take place at the Fulkerson Recital Hall in Arcata, California, and promises an evening filled with a rich array of musical styles and performances.

The concert will feature works from various faculty members, encompassing classical pieces as well as contemporary compositions. Notable highlights include performances of Beethoven’s works alongside innovative electronic video musical pieces created by faculty member Brian Post. Tickets are priced at $20 for general admission and $5 for children and Cal Poly Humboldt students with valid identification. They can be purchased either at the door or online at tickets.humboldt.edu/dance-music-and-theatre.

Program Highlights and Featured Performers

The evening will commence with the haunting melodies of Sir Karl Jenkins’ composition “Sakura.” This piece, drawn from the album “One World,” envisions a harmonious planet that respects nature and upholds human rights. The performance will feature soprano Elisabeth Harrington, the choir A Company of Voices conducted by Stacy Young, along with Simon Oh on piano and Michael Fabian on percussion.

Another significant inclusion is “Suite” by Darius Milhaud, originally composed for Jean Anouilh’s play “Traveler without Baggage.” This jazzy piece, which reflects on themes of memory and loss, will highlight performers Cindy Moyer on violin, Virginia Ryder on clarinet, and Simon Oh on piano.

Post will also present two videoscapes, each accompanied by unique musical expressions. He describes “When ‘The Past Is Present And The Present Has Past’” as a meditative reflection on transcending linear time through musical chant. The second piece, “Spirit Guide,” relates to an artistic exploration inspired by an incomplete drawing of a woman, melding sound and vision to evoke her spirit.

The concert will also include a performance of the fourth movement of Beethoven’s Sonata in F Major, Op. 42, known as “Spring.” This lively Rondo will be performed by Cindy Moyer and Simon Oh, with Moyer highlighting its cheerful nature and intricate interplay between piano and violin.

Continuing the Musical Journey

Following a brief intermission, the program will resume with John Cage’s “In A Landscape,” arranged by Brian Post. Cage’s composition is intended to calm the mind, allowing listeners to be receptive to profound influences.

An improvisational piece titled “Urban Ambience” will then capture the essence of a bustling city, showcasing the talents of Garrick Woods on cello, Colby Beers on tabla, Saul Stewart on bass, and several other musicians. This original composition reflects the continuous energy of urban life, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for attendees.

The concert will also spotlight selections from Claude Debussy’s “Preludes, Book I,” performed by Simon Oh. Movements No. 7, “Ce qu’a vu le Vent d’Ouest,” and No. 12, “Minstrels,” will convey the swirling winds and humor found in Debussy’s music.

To conclude the evening, the audience will experience “Quintet” by the prominent Russian composer Sofia Gubaidulina, performed by Cindy Moyer, Karen Davy, Sherry Hanson, Garrick Woods, and Daniela Mineva. Gubaidulina is recognized as one of the first major female composers in contemporary music, and this piece will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

The Welcome Concert at Cal Poly Humboldt promises to be an unforgettable evening of musical exploration, showcasing the talents of its faculty and the vibrant creativity thriving within the university community.