Visiting Artist Series

Istanpitta
Sunday September 30, 2007

The 2007-2008 series begins on Sunday September 30 at 3:00 p.m. with a performance by the Texas-based early-music ensemble Istanpitta. Performing on replicas of medieval instruments such as the vielle, chittara, harp and recorder, the ensemble will lead audience members on a pilgrimage in medieval Spain. An auditory and visual journey, the performance will recount music sung by travelers making their way to the various Christian celebrations held throughout the year. The music is characterized by a rare fusion of the three existing cultures in Spain: Christian, Jewish and Islamic, including settings from the well-known Cantigas de Santa Maria, a compilation of 427 songs in honor of the Virgin. The Cantigas range from songs of praise, historical incidents and moralistic stories, to numerous stories describing miracles performed by Holy Mary. The miracles recorded are not exclusive to Christians but also involve both Moors and Jews alike and many are pointedly satirical in nature. The Cantigas are beautiful and lyrical and provide an excellent example of art combining the Christian and Islamic traditions. Istanpitta was founded in 1994 at the University of Texas and has received national attention for their critically acclaimed performances of medieval music and dance.


Orchestra in a Box with Pianist Clipper Erickson
Sunday February 17, 2008

A favorite of Delaware Valley College audiences, the Visiting Artist Series is pleased to present pianist Clipper Erickson on its February 17 concert. Mr. Erickson will present a concert titled "Orchestra in a Box," resurrecting the neglected tradition of performing well-known orchestral works in piano transcriptions. Although iPods, CD players, satellite radio and other electronic equipment have made orchestral music accessible to all, it wasn't that long ago that you needed to attend a live concert in order to hear the latest orchestral classic. Unfortunately, because of the scarcity of orchestras and the difficulties associated with touring with such a large ensemble, music lovers were forced to rely on piano transcriptions and other musical reductions of orchestral standards. On his Delaware Valley College concert, Mr. Erickson will perform transcriptions of such classics as the Second Suite from Ravel's Daphnis and Chloe, the "Coronation Scene" from Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov and the Four Dance Episodes from Aaron Copland's Rodeo. Acclaimed by the LA Times for his "extraordinary dash and power," Clipper Erickson has received many awards during his career, including a prize at the Busoni Competition.  

Intercultural Jouneys with cellist Udi Bar-David
Sunday March 30, 2008

The Delaware Valley College Visiting Artist Series will conclude on March 30th with a performance titled Intercultural Journeys, presented by Philadelphia Orchestra cellist and Israeli native, Uhad ("Udi") Bar-David. Mr. Bar-David's program will showcase Arab and Jewish music and also will highlight the influence of Middle Eastern music on Western classical composers. He will be joined by the Arab-Israeli violinist Hanna Khoury, classically-trained Jewish clarinetist Margot Leverett on klezmer clarinet; Syrian-born Kareem Roustom, trained in jazz and Arabic styles, on ‘ūd (a guitar-like Arab instrument); and percussionist Michel Mirhej Baklouk, born in Jerusalem but a resident of Lebanon for many years, on hand drums. These Arab and Jewish musicians have found ways to rise above the conflict in their homelands and create music together. They were featured together in the documentary "Music from the Inside Out" as well on concerts by the Philadelphia Orchestra during its 2007 season.

Tickets for the Delaware Valley Artist Series concerts are $12 for General Admission and $10 for Senior Citizens. For more information about Delaware Valley College's Visiting Artist Series, call 215-489-2233 or e-mail . Delaware Valley College is committed to presenting high-quality, entertaining and educational programs suitable for audiences of all ages.