The PRIZM Ensemble performs Oct. 13 at the Ford Center.
OXFORD, Miss. – The Memphis-based PRIZM Ensemble and members of the University of Mississippi Department of Music will perform together Tuesday (Oct. 13) at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts.
The performance is set for 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $10 for students, available at the Ole Miss Box Office in the Student or online here. Students enrolled in Music 103 can get a free ticket as part of their concert attendance project.
The program pieces have been influenced by contemporary popular music and feature some of today’s most prominent composers, including Steve Reich’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Double Sextet” and Grammy-winning artist Michael Daugherty’s bassoon concerto, “Dead Elvis.”
“If you think classical music is dry and dusty, we think this performance is going to change your mind,” said Michael Rowlett, UM associate professor of music. “We hope that the music presented will please classical music fans and at the same time attract students who may be new to the world of art music.”
In the performance of Terry Riley’s landmark work, “In C,” students will perform side-by-side with the professionals.
“Since this piece is for any combination of instruments, it allows a chance to actually build a diverse community onstage, right before the audience’s eyes,” Rowlett said.
The PRIZM Ensemble was formed in 2009 and consists of classically trained Memphis musicians who specialize in chamber music. The musicians are committed to promoting and developing local talent in the Memphis area through educational and performance opportunities.
“PRIZM’s mission is to build a diverse community through chamber music education, youth development, and performance,” Rowlett said. “Apart from the musical value, we also believe there is a social value in the concert we have put together.”
Each summer, the PRIZM Ensemble hosts an annual PRIZM International Chamber Music Festival. For more information about the ensemble, call 901-596-9105 or visit http://www.prizmensemble.com.