Music of internationally known composer to be performed

KALAMAZOO—The music of retired WMU professor and internationally recognized composer C. Curtis-Smith will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, in the Dalton Center Recital Hall.

C. Curtis-Smith

Curtis-Smith joined the WMU faculty in 1968 and has taught piano, music theory, and composition. He is the recipient of over 100 grants, awards, and commissions, and was the youngest faculty member ever awarded WMU’s Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award at age 38.

The program will include "Gold Are My Flowers," a cantata/melodrama featuring soprano Carmen Pelton and baritone Jan Opalach. The work tells the story of the coming of European civilization to the wildernesses of the world, incorporating poetry by Chickasaw poet Linda Hogan, portions of the Navajo Night Chant and excerpts from Christopher Columbus’ ship’s log. Other works being performed are "The Barbershop String Quartet" and "More African Laughter."

Bullock Music Performance Institute

The Dalton Wed@7:30pm: Live and Interactive! concert series is presented by the WMU School of Music under the auspices of the Bullock Music Performance Institute. Established in the fall of 1985 and renamed in 1988 in honor of its founder, the institute has presented events ranging from formal evening concerts to daytime educational outreach events for local audiences and students of all ages.

For more information about the Wednesday evening concert series, call (269) 387-4704 or (269) 387-4678, or visit wmich.edu/music. Tickets are available online at millerauditorium.com or by calling (269) 387-3400.