Memorial concert for Greg Fisk reflects love of classical music

KALAMAZOO--Some of West Michigan's most noted musicians will perform at a memorial concert service for Franklin G. (Greg) Fisk, Western Michigan University professor emeritus of science studies and a passionate fan of classical music. Fisk died Dec. 28 at age 80.

The free, public performance is Saturday, March 10, at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Kalamazoo, 315 W. Michigan Ave.

Classical musicians, all with connections to the University, include music faculty members Lin Foulk, French horn, and Karl Schrock, organ; Elizabeth (Betsy) Start, cello; and pianist Phyllis Rappeport, professor emerita of music

The program features the first movement of a work by composer Elizabeth Start for cello and piano based on the work of Hildegard von Bingen, "Air Swiftly Flies" (2004). Other works on the program include those by Barber, Bach, Saint-Saens, Krol, Beethoven and Widor.

Fisk was an enthusiastic supporter of classical music, especially contemporary classical, both in the Kalamazoo area and elsewhere. He was a long-time supporter of the Fontana Chamber Ensemble and was a fundraiser for First Baptist Church of Kalamazoo's Le Tourneau organ and Fazioli concert grand piano.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Franklin G. Fisk Composition Award in the WMU School of Music. Contributions may be made online through the WMU Foundation, or mailed to Fisk Composition Award, WMU Foundation, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo MI 49008-5403.

Visit gregfisk.org for more information.