Western Carolina University’s Catamount Concert Series will present “A Recital of Love Songs from Broadway to Beethoven” featuring the talents of baritone Dennis Jackson and pianist Bradley Martin, members of the WCU music faculty.
Jackson and Martin will perform 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Asheville and at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, in the recital hall of Western’s Coulter Building. Both concerts are free of charge.
The recitals will feature love songs by the French composer Henri Duparc, the song cycle “An die Ferne Geliebte” by Ludwig von Beethoven, and songs from Broadway musicals and a Viennese operetta. The second half of the program, a performance of Johannes Brahms’ “Neue Liebeslieder Waltzes,” will showcase Western Carolina music faculty members Mary Kay Bauer, soprano; William Martin, tenor; and Lillian Buss Pearson, piano.
Jackson holds the Phillips Distinguished Professor of Musical Theatre position at Western. He was formerly head of the opera program at the University of Colorado-Boulder, which was granted a “Program of Excellence” award by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education. Jackson has directed more than 30 shows ranging from “South Pacific” to “La Nozze di Figaro.” He has performed in recitals and opera roles in the United States and England, and he has appeared with major orchestras in Nebraska, Michigan, Colorado and Utah.
Martin, music director and coach accompanist of WCU’s newly created music theatre program, has taught at schools and colleges in the United States, Russia and Australia. As a solo pianist, chamber musician and accompanist, he has appeared in recitals in the United States, Russia, Europe, Australia, and Asia, including performances with the Pacific Music Festival in Japan, Western Australian Symphony Orchestra, Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra, and Bolshoi Theater.
For more information, call Western’s music department at (828) 227-7242.
