Illinois State University School of Music presents the next events in the spring 2024 Charles W. Bolen Faculty Recital Series, showcasing the artistry and talent of the faculty. The Bolen Faculty Recital Series provides an opportunity for students to see their professors perform as soloists and chamber musicians while bringing outstanding free concerts to the campus and greater community.
Professor Rachel Hockenberry (French horn) will present a recital featuring two newly commissioned works on Monday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m. in Kemp Recital Hall. Dr. Hockenberry is excited to give the world premiere performance of two pieces she commissioned last year: Dark Places by Shanyse Strickland, and Spirit Dances by Emma Gregan. Funding for the commission of these new works for French horn came from a University Research Grant. Horn studio alum Allison Hoffman will join Dr. Hockenberry on Antonio Rosetti’s Concerto for Two Horns. The recital will also feature works by composer/hornist Gina Gillie and Cornish composer Hugh Nash. Pianist Lu Witzig and current horn and piano student Lydia Cermak will join Dr. Hockenberry on her recital.
Professors Jillian Kouzel (oboe) and Midori Samson (bassoon) will present a joint recital on Wednesday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. in Kemp Recital Hall. A diverse repertoire from the 20th and 21st centuries will be performed featuring the “double reed” faculty in the School of Music. Dr. Kouzel, inspired by the remarkable talent displayed by her students at Illinois State University, recently sought to create more collaborative opportunities between the performance studios and the composition area. This led her to embark on a mission last fall to enrich the oboe literature while honing the craft of composing for this instrument and genre. “I commissioned students from the composition department to create new works for solo oboe or oboe accompanied by electronics,” says Kouzel. “The outcome of this idea exceeded my expectations, yielding five extraordinary pieces. Although I couldn’t feature all of them in this recital, I am thrilled to debut two exceptional compositions: one for oboe and electronics by student Wesley Smith entitled Oceanic Odyssey, and another for solo oboe by student Sean Duffy entitled Tiny Mice With Even Tinier Hats.” In selecting the additional pieces for this program, Kouzel and Dr. Samson considered what would resonate with their students and align with their pedagogical objectives. For example, the inclusion of Benjamin Britten’s Temporal Variations, a personal favorite of Kouzel’s, allows the oboe’s brilliance to shine while presenting boundless artistic possibilities. “I anticipate the excitement of my students as they witness this captivating performance, perhaps for the first time,” she remarks. The Villa-Lobos Duo for Oboe and Bassoon elevates thematic exploration to new heights. Kouzel considers this work to be one of the most demanding pieces they have tackled and thinks its portrayal of Brazilian street performance will enthrall the audience. “I am immensely fortunate to collaborate with the incredibly talented Dr. Samson on this piece,” says Kouzel. “Reflecting on our time together as students at UT-Austin, I recall being spellbound by Dr. Samson’s mastery of technique and sensitivity to style. Revisiting this piece with fresh perspectives and enhanced skills has been an exhilarating journey.”
Performances in Kemp Recital Hall are free events.
For a full listing of Illinois State University School of Music events visit the University events calendar.
If you need an accommodation to fully participate in these events, please contact the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts Box Office at (309) 438-2535. Please allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.
