"Songs of Robert Burns - an entertainment set to tunes of the poet’s choosing" 

Featuring composer/harpsichordist Brian Joyce, tenor Thomas Rowell, flutist Andra Bohnet, oboist Rebecca Mindock, Silverwood Quartet and more

Tuesday, February 14, 2012 – 7:30 p.m.

On Tuesday, February 14 at 7:30 p.m., the University of South Alabama Department of Music will present the world premiere of composer Brian Joyce's "Songs of Robert Burns: an entertainment for soprano and tenor soloists set to tunes of the poet's own choosing," accompanied by flute, oboe, violin, viola, cello, harpsichord and percussion. The performance will take place in the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. The evening of song and dance with a Scottish brogue will feature soprano Joanie Brittingham and tenor Thomas Rowell as the protagonists in this "loove" story which will be semi-staged. Instrumentalists include the Silverwood Quartet (Andra Bohnet, flute, Tom Morley, violin, Jonathan Clark, viola, and Barbara Gabriel, cello), oboist Rebecca Mindock, percussionists MIke Sammons and Laura Noah and the composer, Brian Joyce, at the harpsichord.

Tickets for this Musical Arts Series event will be sold at the door only.  Admission is $8 general and $5 for USA faculty & staff, USA students, youths under 18 and all senior citizens (cash or check only).  Persons needing more information about this event or in need of special accommodation may call 251-460-7116 or 251-460-6136.

About the concert and Robert Burns

Robert Burns (1759-1796), Scotland's national bard, produced a wealth of poetry and song during his lifetime. Brian Joyce has selected eleven songs which tell a story of courtship and the passage of time. Joyce says, "The music combines many things which I personally enjoy: 18th Century classicism (Burns was a contemporary of Mozart), Celtic music, Baroque, Renaissance, and even Medieval textures and sonorities, plus a healthy dose of more modern compositional techniques such as shifting meters, polytonality and non-tertian harmony. Despite the polystylism involved, I believe the songs and dances hold together quite nicely and will make for a fine evening's entertainment."

USA Professor of Music Andra Bohnet: "The Silverwood Quartet has been a fan of Joyce's music for many years since we first came across his arrangement of some Christmas tunes, "And Therefore Be Merry," which we recorded for our CD Gifts of the Season. We subsequently commissioned a new work from him, "Hear Ye Newes Today," which is on our bestselling CD To Drive the Cold Winter Away. Over the years we have had the opportunity to play several more of Brian's pieces and each one has been delightful! We are very excited about finally getting to meet him and work with him on the Burns project."

Musical Arts Series Season Pass Holders may now reserve their place at concerts if they contact events coordinator Keith Bohnet by 5:00 p.m. the day previous to the event!  Call 251-460-7116 or email kbohnet@usouthal.edu.  Please mention the amount of seats needed AND be sure you are planning on being in place at least 20 minutes in advance of the concert!  (Pass Holders only please!  Held seats not claimed within 20 minutes of the performance may be offered to other concert attendees.)

For information on how to join the Musical Arts Society, visit our website at www.southalabama.edu and click on "events" to see everything you need to know about the Musical Arts Concert Series and USA's Musical Arts Society.