School of Performing Arts announces 2014-2015 season

1 Sep 2014

The Three Feathers children's opera — The world premiere of this children's opera is among the highlights of the upcoming season.

The 2014-15 Virginia Tech School of Performing Arts season of music, theatre, and cinema events will offer many opportunities for the campus community and local arts enthusiasts to enjoy an array of talent by university students and faculty and guest artists.

A highlight of the season will be "The Three Feathers," a world-premiere children's opera commissioned from composer Lori Laitman by the Center for the Arts in collaboration with the School of Performing Arts and Opera Roanoke. It is based on a Grimm's fairytale and will include the Blacksburg Children's Chorale.

Performance dates are Oct. 17 though 19 at the Moss Arts Center.

Music enthusiasts will want to attend the Music on Mondays series which will present 15 recitals by faculty and guest artists on selected Mondays throughout the year.

Guest artists include the Alexander Fiterstein Trio on Oct. 13; saxophonist Timothy McAllister on Oct. 20; PEN Trio and Friends on Nov.3; baritone Donnie Ray Albert on Nov. 17; String Noise on Feb. 9; pianist Frank Pavese on March 16; pianist Douglas Humpherys on March 30; and cellist Steven Doane on April 13.

The Mainstage Theatre series will present "The Laramie Project" and The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later" Nov. 2 through 20. The two shows will be performed in repertory.

In the spring, "Fool for Love" by Sam Shepard will run Feb. 24 through March 4, and William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" will round out the season April 15 through 25.

Virginia Tech Music Ensembles will present several concerts throughout the year. Ensembles include the New River Valley Symphony, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Choral Ensembles, Symphony Band, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, brass ensembles, and Laptop Orchestra.

In April, 'Exposition II: Inspire' will showcase all of the ensembles in one showcase fundraiser performance at the Moss Arts Center.

Cinema fans will have several opportunities for interaction with writers, directors, and producers.

On Sept. 10, Virginia Tech alumna Caty Borum Chattoo will discuss her work as a producer with "Stand Up Planet" and social change media. Other screenings include "Indian Relay," written and directed by faculty member Charles Dye, and the documentary "Cooper and Hemingway: The True Gen."

The annual Progeny Film Festival will close the season.

For information on all events, visit the Virginia Tech School of Performing Arts website.