UR Modlin Center '17-'18 preview

Pianist Richard Goode and Tan Dun and the China National Symphony Orchestra highlight the roster of classical artists scheduled to perform in the 2017-18 season of the University of Richmond’s Modlin Arts Center.

The center’s classical schedule next season also includes the Shanghai, Jerusalem and Escher string quartets, the latter performing with guitarist Jason Vieaux.

Tan Dun, perhaps the best-known contemporary composer from China, is the artistic director of the China National Symphony Orchestra. Their concert programs often mix works by Chinese and Western composers.

Three more new-music or cross-cultural events are on the schedule:

– The So Percussion quartet – Eric Cha-Beach, Josh Quillen, Adam Sliwinski, and Jason Treuting – joined by soprano Dawn Upshaw and her longtime recital accompanist, pianist Gilbert Kalish.

– eighth blackbird, UR’s resident contemporary music sextet, joined by composer-fiddler Dan Trueman and singer Iarla Ó Lionáird, in “Olagón: a Cantata in Doublespeak,” a concert-length work, based on
an Irish folk tale, composed by Trueman, Ó Lionáird and poet Paul Muldoon.

– “Songbook,” featuring vocalist Steven Page, a founding member of the Canadian pop-rock group Barenaked Ladies, and The Art of Time Ensemble, which bills its programming as “fusing high art and popular culture.”

A “Save the Date” advisory on the coming classical season was mailed last week to subscribers. Programs, ticket details and venues, as well as other Modlin Center offerings for 2017-18, will be announced later.

The Modlin Center’s 2017-18 classical dates, all at 7:30 p.m.:

Sept. 19 – Escher Quartet with guitarist Jason Vieaux.

Oct. 20 – Pianist Richard Goode.

Nov. 9 – Shanghai Quartet.

Feb. 7 – Steven Page & The Art of Time Ensemble in “Songbook.”

Feb. 14 – China National Symphony Orchestra, Tan Dun conducting.

March 21 – Jerusalem Quartet.

March 23 – eighth blackbird with composer-fiddler Dan Trueman and singer Iarla Ó Lionáird in “Olagón: a Cantata in Doublespeak.”

April 7 – So Percussion with soprano Dawn Upshaw and pianist Gilbert Kalish.

To be added to the Modlin Center’s mailing list, call the box office at (804) 289-8980, or visit http://modlin.richmond.edu