In their combined spring concert, the HSU Percussion Ensemble and the celebrated Calypso Band provide a new definition of heavy metal when they perform in the Van Duzer Theatre on Sat., April 28 at 8:00 p.m.
The first half of the concert includes Mandeng Drumming from West Africa and folkloric drumming from Cuba. The featured work is a John Cage composition, “First Construction in Metal,” an American avant-garde piece from 1939.
As described by HSU Professor of Music Dr. Eugene Novotney, “it calls for more than 50 instruments constructed of metal, including gongs, anvils, cymbals, bells and thunder sheets.”
Theres a grand piano, played by a traditional pianist but with live sound alteration and manipulation by a percussionist who performs on the interior of the piano strings. Many consider this Cage’s finest early work, so this performance should not be missed, Dr. Novotney said.
The second half of the performance will showcase the intricate and danceable rhythms of the Humboldt State Calypso Band. Long a campus and community favorite, the band comprises 30 HSU students and alumni, and features a full orchestra of steel drums.
In Fulkerson Recital Hall on Fri., April 27, at 8:00 p.m. the HSU Symphonic Band performs its spring concert, which includes La Fiesta Mexicana, a three movement work by American composer H. Owen Reed.
On Sunday afternoon (April 29) at 3 PM, also in Fulkerson, singers from three HSU ensemblesHumboldt Chorale, University Singers and a chamber group called The Ten— will present a variety of sacred and secular choral works.
Tickets for all three concerts are $6.00 general, $2.00 students/seniors, free to HSU students with ID, from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. http://hsumusic.blogspot.com/.