Ashleigh Jones / Contributing Writer
It has been over a year since music from nationally and internationally acclaimed musicians has echoed throughout Brock Recital Hall for Samford’s annual Davis Architects Guest Artist Series. This semester, Samford welcomes guest performers back to campus.
Misha Dichter, a world-renowned pianist, opened up the series with a performance on Jan. 25.
In addition to many appearances on national and international television, Dichter has toured the United States and Europe to give performances alongside his wife, Cipa Dichter, also an acclaimed pianist.
Dichter’s performance will be followed by a visit from violinist Rachel Barton Pine on Feb. 15. Described by The Washington Post as “An exciting, boundary-defying performer,” Pine is known for emotionally communicating to her audience through an extensive repertoire that includes classical and contemporary genres.
In addition, Sandbox Percussion, a percussion quartet based in New York City, will be coming to campus on Feb. 24. Made up of composers and performers Jonathan Allen, Victor Caccese, Ian Rosenbaum, and Terry Sweeny, they are known for performing contemporary percussion pieces. The quartet was described as “exhilarating” by The New York Times and “virtuosic and utterly mesmerizing” by The Guardian.
Finally, a multi-instrumental quartet called Invoke will perform on March 22. Invoke is a string quartet that does not fit one exact genre of music. They incorporate several American traditions into their broad repertoire including jazz, bluegrass, and Appalachian fiddle tunes. Many of the pieces they perform are either their own compositions or produced by commissioned composers.
The Davis Architects Guest Artists Series is sponsored by the Davis Architects firm and co-presented by the Birmingham Chamber Music Society. Through this series, music students are inspired by observing high-quality musicianship and the larger Birmingham community is able to experience a plethora of music genres.
“It’s inspirational to see such accomplished musicians,”Ashley Smith, marketing and communication manager for Samford’s School of the Arts, said.
According to Smith, many of these performers are able to engage with students and tell them their stories of how they became prominent musicians. She also noted how these storytelling exchanges full of advice encourage aspiring students who seek their own professional music careers.
The series also provides an opportunity for the Birmingham community to benefit from the guest artist performances.
“We really want the Birmingham community to know that they can come to Samford and experience musicians and guest artists that you might see in New York or Atlanta or other cities that have such an arts community,” Smith said.
All upcoming concerts are at 7:30 p.m. in Brock Recital Hall. Tickets are $10 for students and $30 for reserved. Interested students can purchase tickets at samford.edu/arts/events/ or etix.com.
