The UTC Music Department presents John Sampen, Saxophone and Marilyn Shrude, piano, in a recital and masterclass entitled “Voices of Dissent” on April 16, 2008. The masterclass is scheduled for 4:00 pm and the recital at 7:30 pm. Both events will be held in the Roland Hayes Concert Hall at the UTC Fine Arts Center, (corner of Palmetto at Vine St.). The concert is presented free of charge and is open to the general public.

For centuries, poets, authors, musicians and painters have addressed social and political concerns in their own respective artistic voices, providing a reflective image of society. “Voices of Dissent” is a thematic presentation encapsulating the response of the 21st century composer and performer as they struggle with the issues of war, violence, corruption and racism. The works to be performed on the concert are reflections on or responses to the issues of pollution, man-made and natural catastrophic events, the confusion of good and evil, senseless loss of human life, and the Iraq invasion. The works include both traditional, fully-composed pieces as well as improvisational pieces.

Chicago-born composer Marilyn Shrude holds degrees from Alverno College and Northwestern University. Her works have been performed internationally in such contexts as the Lincoln Center Series, the St. Louis Orchestra Chamber Series, Music Today, New Music Chicago, the World Saxophone Congress, and Society of Composers. She is a frequent guest performer and lecturer at colleges and festivals throughout the world. She is currently on the faculty at Bowling Green State University where she teaches and chairs the Department of Musicology/Composition/Theory.

John Sampen is considered one of America’s leading concert saxophonists; he is particularly recognized as a distinguished artist in contemporary literature. A recipient of NEA and Meet the Composer Grants, Sampen has been involved commission and premieres of new music by Albright, Babbitt, Martino, and Subotnick. He holds degrees from Northwestern University. He has recorded with the Belgian and Swiss National Radio, and serves as a clinician for the Conn-Selmer and Vandoren companies. He is a frequent presenter at master classes at universities and conservatories throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. He is a Distinguished Artist Professor at Bowling Green State University.

For additional information, please contact the UTC Music Dept. Office at 423-425-4601.

Info and photo via utc.edu.