News

LAKELAND, Fla. (Sept. 6, 2006) — Florida Southern College’s Festival of Fine Arts presents its 47th season of art, music, dance, and theater. The season runs through April 17 and includes such world-renowned performers as the Hamburg Symphony, the Russian National Ballet, Preservation Hall Jazz Band and The Acting Company.

The schedule of events is listed below. Tickets are available at the Branscomb Auditorium box office Monday through Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. FSC students are admitted free of charge and non-FSC students pay half price. The Melvin Gallery is open during most Festival events and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Admission to the gallery is free. For more information, please call the box office at 863-680-4296.

Festival Schedule
Season tickets: $125-$195
Single ticket prices are listed with each event. Festival events are held in Branscomb Auditorium unless otherwise noted.

Oct. 3 - 7:30 p.m.
“Music for an Autumn Evening”
The youngest of the music department’s traditions, the “fall gala” has quickly become a much favored musical opener. The college’s talented soloists and ensembles start the season with a program of some of the world’s greatest vocal and instrumental compositions. $20.00

Sept. 28-30; Oct. 5-7 - 7:30 p.m.
& Matinees Oct. 1 and 8 - 2:30 p.m.
“The Cemetery Club”
Three widows—all longtime friends—meet each month at the cemetery where their respective husbands are buried. Their friendship is threatened when one of the widows falls in love with a much bereaved widower. The ensuing plot is both hilarious and heart-warming. Directed by James Beck.  Buckner Theatre.  $15.00

Oct. 16 - 7:30 p.m.
“I Musici di Roma”
Returning to our series from Italy to present another exciting evening for strings, this internationally renowned chamber orchestra is widely considered the world’s foremost in its field. One critic writes, “Their treatment of the classics makes the oldest music seem completely new.”  $25.00

Oct. 28 - 7:30 p.m.
“Music Under the Stars”
Once a year the Pipkin Bandshell becomes Lakeland’s miniature Hollywood Bowl when our Symphony Band, Jazz Band and Woodwind Ensemble bring their music to this charming outdoor setting. Conductors Jo Jossim and Brian Brink do the podium honors. Admission is free with open seating. Rain cover:  Branscomb Auditorium. 

Nov. 2 - 7:30 p.m.
The Ibis Camerata
This international piano, woodwind and string ensemble performs a delightfully varied repertoire from the Classical, Romantic and Modern periods. Its four youthful members move from trio to quartet and back again, choosing important works for each medium. $25.00

Nov. 13 - 7:30 p.m.
Teatro Lyrico D’Europa in “Madama Butterfly”
If opera lovers of the world were limited to just one opera—perish the thought!—this one could win out even over “Carmen.” From “Un bel di” to the “flower duet,” its melodies are unmistakably Puccini. This all-time favorite comes to us fully staged and with orchestra. In Italian with English supertitles. $30.00

Nov. 16-18; Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and 2 - 7:30 p.m.
& Matinees Nov. 19; Dec. 3 - 2:30 p.m.
“Proof”
After years of looking after her late brilliant but unstable father, a troubled young woman endures the arrival of an eccentric sister and the attentions of a self-serving young man. Her greatest worry of all: how much of her father’s madness or genius will she inherit? Directed by Paul Bawek. Buckner Theatre:  $15.00

Nov. 26 - 2:30 p.m.
The Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company
Well remembered for their exciting performance on our stage in 2001, these forty gifted Philippine dancers and musicians return with their lyrical and energetic dances. $25.00

Dec. 9 - 7:30 p.m.
Christmas Gala
This colorful evening of music by the college’s outstanding music department is as much a part of local holiday traditions as holly and mistletoe. Our singers and instrumentalists will be on hand to ensure that this season is no exception.  $20.00

Dec. 16 - 7:30 p.m.
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
After too long an absence, these legendary jazz artists return to us from New Orleans. Their world-renowned style moves seamlessly from Dixieland to jazz classics to “When the Saints Go Marchin’ In.” $25.00

Jan. 9 - 7:30 p.m.
Prokofieff’s Ballet, “Cinderella”
The ballet that captures the hearts of both young and old is now brought to us by the National Ballet Theatre of Russia, elaborately staged and with full orchestra. $30.00

Jan. 21 - 2:30 p.m.
The Mozart Puppets from Austria, with Norman Shetler
Viennese-American concert artist Norman Shetler is well known for both his musical talents and the sophisticated humor of his puppet shows. His is a fun-filled program guaranteed to delight music lovers and puppetry fans from ages eight to eighty.  $30.00

Jan. 30 - 7:30 p.m.
Robert MacDonald Presents
Glancing back to his four decades of programs for the Festival, the college’s pianist-in-residence revisits some of his all-time favorite keyboard repertoire. In true MacDonald fashion, the evening promises to include some musical surprises as well. $20.00

Feb. 7 - 7:30 p.m.
The Hamburg Symphony Orchestra with Robert McDuffie, Violin Soloist
This outstanding German orchestra brings a program of great symphonic works highlighted by an all-time audience favorite, Tchaikovsky’s virtuosic “Concerto for Violin and Orchestra.” World-renowned American violinist McDuffie is the star guest in this guaranteed season’s high point. $30.00

Feb. 10 - 7:30 p.m.
The Peking Acrobats
A Festival favorite returns to us by popular demand. Two seasons ago, an audience comprised of all age groups sat spellbound as these aerial artists seemingly defied gravity with their daring fetes and stunning beauty.  It’s another season’s “must” for all ages. $25.00

Feb. 15-17; 22-24 - 7:30 p.m.
& Matinees Feb. 18, 25 - 2:30 p.m.
“Blood Brothers”
A hapless mother with too many children to support surrenders one of her newborn twins to a childless neighboring woman. The two boys grow up as friends, never suspecting the truth, but trouble ensues when they fall hopelessly in love with the same girl. This soul-searching British musical tells the story of a modern tragedy.  Directed by Paul Bawek. Buckner Theatre:  $15.00

Feb. 24 - 7:30 p.m.
The Five Browns
Brilliant pianists and national television favorites, these five young Juilliard-trained siblings take over at five grand pianos and hold audiences spellbound with their keyboard magic. Their unique performances (solos, trios, quintets, etc.) achieve the ultimate in family artistry while they brim with charming stage presence. $25.00

March 1 - 7:30 p.m.
Florida Southern Symphony Orchestra
Prerequisite for a festive orchestral experience: talented young players performing at the level of seasoned professionals. Add the kinetic leadership of conductor Arthur Pranno and all wishes for an evening of musical enjoyment are fulfilled. $20.00

March 15 - 7:30 p.m.
Paavali Jumppanen, Pianist
This outstanding young Finnish-born pianist enjoys a formidable career as both a solo and ensemble artist. The New York Times described his playing as showing “immense power and an extraordinary range of colors.” $25.00

March 20 - 7:30 p.m.
Florida Southern Symphony Band and Woodwind Ensemble
The members of these two outstanding ensembles present a program of works both traditional and new, under the deft and knowing guidance of conductor Jo Jossim. $20.00

March 23, Branscomb Auditorium - 7:30 p.m.
March 24, location to be announced - 2 p.m.
“Child Of The Sun” Jazz Festival Salutes Nat Adderley
This year’s two-day presentation celebrates the Festival’s twentieth anniversary and is dedicated to the memory of the late Nat Adderley, internationally renowned artist and inspirational founder of the Festival. Jazz ensembles from far and near join forces in this exciting and heartfelt musical tribute. Admission is free. Rain cover on the 24th:  Branscomb Auditorium.

April 3 - 7:30 p.m.
Florida Southern Choral Ensembles
Members of the college’s Concert Chorale and Women’s Chorale treat their audience to another delightful choral fest. As always, conductor Larry Sledge leads them deftly through their paces. $20.00

April 5-7; 12-14 - 7:30 p.m.
& Matinees April 8, 15 - 2:30 p.m.
“Curious Savage”
An elderly woman, placed in a sanatorium by her greedy stepchildren, plans to leave her late husband’s estate to a charitable cause. Her fellow patients sympathize and help her in hilarious fashion to pit the selfish stepchildren one against the other. Directed by Mary T. Albright. Buckner Theatre.  $15.00

April 10 - 7:30 p.m.
The Acting Company in “Jane Eyre”
A brilliant adaptation for the London stage of the exciting and romantic Charlotte Bronté novel is performed by the prestigious young professional American ensemble founded by the late great John Houseman. $25.00

April 16 and 17 - 7:30 p.m.
Operetta “La Perichole”
Offenbach’s delightful French operetta is performed in English by talented vocal students. Fully staged and accompanied by the college’s Symphony Orchestra under Arthur Pranno, this Festival first is directed by our gifted opera specialist, John Thomasson. $20.00

Melvin Art Gallery Schedule

Sept. 8 – Oct. 2
Images from Italy
Opening reception Sept. 8, 6:30 p.m.
During the month of May 2006, 23 students and six faculty members went on an extensive tour of Italy, including Rome, Sicily, Naples, Tuscany, Ravenna and Venice. This show was selected from more than 4,500 images taken on that trip and subsequently edited, manipulated and printed.

Oct. 6 – 30
Elliot O'Hara   "Ring of Fire": Watercolors of the Pacific Shores
Opening reception Oct. 8
Elliot O’Hara, a famed watercolorist of the period from 1920 to 1960, was a world traveler. This exhibition covers his entire career, with paintings from Chile, Mexico, California, Oregon and Alaska to Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Fiji and Hawaii. On loan from the Harmon-Meek Gallery in Naples, Fla.

Nov. 3 – 27
Photographs from the Polk Museum of Art
Opening reception Nov. 3
Over the last two decades, the Polk Museum of Art has assembled a distinguished permanent collection of photography by leading masters from the United States and abroad. The Melvin Art Gallery is privileged to exhibit a selection of more than 40 works from this collection.

Dec. 1 – 11
Florida Southern Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior Show
Opening reception Dec. 1
The department of art and art history has gained the reputation of being one of the strongest in the Southeast. Current work from Florida Southern freshman, sophomore and junior art majors will be on sale in the Gallery. Awards will be given at the opening.

Jan. 12 – 25
Sculpture by Gregg Wortham
Opening reception Jan. 12
Sculptor Gregg Wortham received his master of fine arts degree in sculpture from the University of Nebraska. His sculptures are distinguished by his fine workmanship, creative exploration and combination of an interesting variety of media. He is a member of the faculty of Florida Southern College. 

March 2 – 27
Downing Barnitz—Retrospective Exhibition
Reception March 23
When Downing Barnitz retired in 1999, his distinguished career at Florida Southern College had spanned thirty-eight years. He was a master draftsman, painter and sculptor who had studied in Philadelphia in the American Realist tradition that began with Thomas Eakins. In addition to doing fine naturalistic work throughout his career, he experimented with abstraction, producing some very fine works. The college is proud of his legacy and is pleased to be able to show this retrospective exhibition of his work from over forty years. 

March 30 – April 10
Florida Southern Senior Studio Show
Opening reception March 30
Each year, several of the Florida Southern seniors go on to outstanding graduate programs. This show demonstrates the creative freshness and polish of their work. The John R. Reuter award for the outstanding studio artist will be announced at 7:30 at the opening reception.

April 13 – 30
Florida Southern Senior Graphic Design Show
Opening reception April 13
The creativity and professionalism of Florida Southern’s senior graphic designers distinguishes their work in both print and digital media. The senior graphic design awards will be announced at 7:30 at the opening reception.

May 5 – 28
Annual Lakeland Art Guild Exhibition
Opening reception May 5
For more than thirty years, the Melvin Art Gallery has been pleased to host this annual exhibition for the Lakeland Art Guild. Founded in 1952 and incorporated in 1956, the Guild is Lakeland’s oldest community arts organization. Announcements of awards will be made at the opening.

About Florida Southern College
Founded in 1885, Florida Southern College is a private, comprehensive, United Methodist college with a liberal arts core. The college maintains its commitment to academic excellence through 38 undergraduate majors and distinctive graduate programs in business administration, education, and nursing. Florida Southern has a 14:1 student/faculty ratio, provides strong student/faculty mentorship programs, boasts 25 NCAA Division II national championships, and is ranked by U. S. News and World Report as one of the top ten Southern Comprehensive Colleges-Bachelors and by the Princeton Review as a “Best Southeastern College.” Located on scenic Lake Hollingsworth, Florida Southern is the home of the world’s largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.