Contact: Maridith Geuder
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Performing artists ranging from a Russian chamber ensemble to a Japanese martial arts drum troupe will be part of Mississippi State's 2009-10 Lyceum Series.
Season ticket renewals for the programs in Lee Hall's Bettersworth Auditorium now are available. New ticket sales begin Tuesday [Sept. 22] and individual reserved tickets go on sale Oct. 1 at www.mstateathletics.com, as well as by mail.
The season kicks off Oct. 12 with the Harlem Gospel Choir, known for its foot-stomping, hand-clapping blues, jazz and gospel spirituals.
Among the preeminent groups of its kind, Harlem Gospel travels the globe to share its music and raise funds for children's charities. Representing various African American churches in Harlem, the choir has performed with Bono, Sinead O'Connor, Lyle Lovett, Diana Ross, and the Chieftains, among others.
The remaining schedule includes (by date):
--Oct. 21, Montana Repertory Theatre, one of the nation's oldest and most respected touring companies, presenting "To Kill a Mockingbird." Since 1968, the group has performed to an ever-expanding community, and its rendition of Alabama author Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel has been called "powerful and gripping."
--Feb. 15, Chamber Orchestra Kremlin, one of Russia's critically acclaimed string ensembles, performs in concert. Formed in 1991 by conductor Misha Rachlevsky, the group has recorded more than 20 CDs, including the music of classical and contemporary composers.
--March 2, TAO, the acclaimed martial arts drumming troupe, will introduce Mississippi audiences to the intricate and ancient Japanese musical art of wadaiko. The Chicago Tribune described TAO as "extraordinarily talented [with] incomparable muscular zeal."
--March 31, Parsons Dance, with a repertoire of more than 70 works, brings its unique style of athleticism and movement for an interpretation of contemporary American choreography. "They attack the audience and stage like gangbusters," noted critic Clive Barnes of the New York Post.
--April 20, Spaghetti Western Orchestra, five multi-instrument-skilled musicians who recreate music from movies that made Clint Eastwood an international star. Formed in Australia, the group uses more than 100 instruments to create the sounds of a full orchestra.
Available at the door, general admission tickets for each Lyceum performance are $15 for adults; $10 for senior citizens (65 and over by request) and MSU employees; and $8 for children 3-12. MSU students will be admitted free with valid identification cards.
Season tickets (reserved seating) are $60 and include both the Lyceum Series and MSU Lyceum Faculty Chamber Series. MSU employees and senior citizens may purchase season tickets for $50 with proof of age or institution employment. Tickets must be purchased in advance by mailing a check and a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Lyceum Series Season Tickets, P.O. Box HY, Mississippi State, MS 39762.
The Lyceum Faculty Chamber Series also features performances throughout the 2009-10 season by music department faculty. General admission is $5; MSU students are admitted free with proper ID.
For more on the series or specific performances, telephone 662-325-4201 or visit www.lyceum.msstate.edu.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.