Music Department Launches 2019-20 Faculty Recital Series

Series starts fall Monday with recital for clarinet and piano

UM clarinetist Michael Rowlett and pianist Amanda Johnston preview material from their Faculty Recital Series concert, set for Sept. 23 in Nutt Auditorium, in the new noontime music series, ‘First Tuesdays in Bryant Hall.’ Submitted photo

OXFORD, Miss. – The Faculty Recital Series organized by the University of Mississippi Department of Music kicks off its 2019-20 season Monday (Sept. 23) with a recital for clarinet and piano.

The recital features clarinetist Michael Rowlett and pianist Amanda Johnston performing in Nutt Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for children and Ole Miss students, faculty and staff with an Ole Miss ID, $10 for the general public. They are available through the UM Box Office or at the door.

“The program will begin with Polish composer Witold Lutoslawski’s witty, lively ‘Dance Preludes,’ followed by two highly individualistic works by Canadian composers Violet Archer and Oskar Morawetz,” said Rowlett, associate professor of music and teacher of the clarinet studio.

“The second half will include a set of pieces for clarinet solo based on familiar melodies by George Gershwin and will conclude with Brahms’ rich, meditative E-flat Major Sonata.”

Earlier this month, Rowlett and Johnston, an associate professor of music and musical director and vocal coach for the UM Opera Theatre, previewed some of the program in the new noontime music series, “First Tuesdays in Bryant Hall.”

Sue Gaston, a retired Ole Miss faculty member, attended and enjoyed the performance.

“It was a treat to hear Michael and Amanda perform in a relaxed, informal setting,” Gaston said. “The lunchtime concert gave us a taste of the wonderful performance that we will hear on Monday night.”