Jazz artist Sir Roland Hanna performs at Dalton
Nov. 8, 2001
KALAMAZOO -- One of the world's major jazz artists and one of the most flexible pianists of any generation, Sir Roland Hanna, visits Western Michigan University on Sunday, Nov. 18, for a single performance at 7 p.m. in the Dalton Center Recital Hall.
General admission tickets are $15 each. Students and senior citizens will be charged $5. Tickets are available from the Miller Auditorium Ticket Office at 616 387-2300 or 800 228-9858 and at the Epic Center in downtown Kalamazoo. Tickets will also be sold at the door. The performance is sponsored by the WMU School of Music's jazz studies program.
Born in Detroit, Sir Roland began his piano studies at an early age. After graduation from Cass Technical High School and a two-year stint with the U.S. Army Band, he continued his musical studies at the Eastman and Juilliard Schools of Music. He has since taken a mega-mile career journey, performing in concert halls and clubs in major cities around the world. He was knighted in 1970 by President William V.S. Tubman of Liberia for humanitarian services to that country.
In addition to being a successful solo pianist, Sir Roland
has provided sensitive accompaniment to such artists as Sarah
Vaughan, Carmen McRae, Al Hibbler, Charles Mingus, the Thad Jones-Mel
Lewis Orchestra, The Benny Goodman Big Band. He has performed,
toured and recorded
with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra on many occasions.
A prolific writer, Sir Roland's catalog of more than 400 compositions includes works not only for standard jazz ensembles, but also trios for cello, flute, and French horn, as well as larger works for piano and orchestra. He has more than 50 albums to his name.
Sir Roland Hanna is a professor at the Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens College, The City University of New York.
Media contact: Kevin West, 616 387-4678, kevin.west@wmich.edu