Howard Performing Arts Center, on the campus of Andrews University in Berrien Springs, acts as a hub of musical, artistic, and creative entertainment every day of the year. With the holidays and the season of warmth and peace fast-approaching, the month of November offers multiple concerts and performances as a gift to the community.
Saturday, November 5th will host ‘Andrews Academy Concerto Night’, featuring five outstanding musicians as they each perform a movement of a concerto accompanied by the Andrews Academy Symphony Orchestra. Under the direction of Elsy M. Gallardo-Díaz, these soloists, Jasmine Patterson, Karan Chun, Ana Slavujevic, Lora Baker, and Nathaniel Miller, bring beloved pieces to life on stage, beginning at 8 p.m. Admission is free.
Vocal students of Andrews Department of Music introduce “a meditative evening of scripture and song”, on Friday, November 11th. This 7 p.m concert introduces the 9th Annual Voice Vespers, and there is no charge to attend.
Saturday, November 12th welcomes Jaime Jorge and ‘The Healing Music Concert Tour’, at 6 p.m. Jaime Jorge is a world-renowned violinist, sharing his gift and musical ministry across the globe for decades. His passion leads him to help others, performing many benefit concerts throughout his career, raising funds for third-world countries, sponsoring orphan children, and providing music scholarships for young people. This concert will act as a fundraiser for Care For Cuba, and your donations will “support crucial ministry resources for the churches and pastors there”. Admission is free.
The Sunday Music Series at Howard Performing Arts Center shares the musical expertise of Violinist Laurie Smukler, along with pianist Kenneth Logan, on Sunday, November 13th at 4 p.m. “Laurie currently sits on the faculty at The Juilliard School, and was the founding first violinist of the Mendelssohn String Quartet. She has recorded for Music Masters and is currently artistic director of the Kneisel Hall Festival.” The two will perform a free recital including works by Mozart, Ravel and Schubert.
The Andrews University Wind Symphony presents “On Holiday”, on Saturday, November 19th, under the direction of Byron Graves, and debuts festive music for the holiday season. “The program will be a musical tour to various destinations you might visit while on holiday, be that the Isle of Man (Mannin Veen by Haydn Wood), France or Cuba (excerpts from Gershwin’s American in Paris and Cuban Overture), Puerto Rico (So Wondrous Bright by Carol Chambers) or just going to the local fair (The Purple Carnival by Harry Alford)”. After intermission, familiar favorites and cheerful carols will lead us right into the Christmas spirit, and you won’t want to miss it! Tickets for this concert are $5 for students and seniors, and $7 for general admission. You can purchase in advance online, or at the door.
Pianist Marisa Blanes brings ‘The Color of Spanish Music’ to Southwest Michigan on Sunday, November 20th, where, in her solo concert, “she exhibits the traditional repertoire of universal music together with the contemporary repertoire of Spanish music.” Her extended career in performing, researching, and teaching has earned her many awards and works composed for her, and dedicated to her brilliance. The concert begins at 4 p.m, and is free to attend.
Learn more about Howard Performing Arts Center, located at 4160 E. Campus Circle Drive, and the plethora of talent they host all year, at howard.andrews.edu.
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
