UMS draws high-quality performers to 'U' community

By Jack Schillaci

Daily Arts Writer

Since 1879, the University Musical Society has brought world-class fine arts performances by renowned singers, instrumentalists and dancers to the University community.

Past seasons' schedules have contributed to the University's artistic community - and this season's artists can only enhance UMS's reputation for excellent performers.

"We're performing arts presenters," said UMS director Kenneth Fischer. "The musical society has been trying to provide the opportunity to experience a diversity of cultures."

Conductor Leonard Bernstein - who Fischer referred to as "Lenny" - is among the many famous musicians who performed under UMS's banner. After a performance with the Vienna Philharmonic in 1988, 30 students met with Bernstein and former University President James Duderstadt - an evening that ended with coffee at 4:30 a.m. "That evening represented so many things ... (Bernstein) really loved Ann Arbor," Fischer said.

The 1997-98 season offers many highlights for UMS. The season will bring back popular artists from the past while incorporating new music and styles that expand UMS's breadth.

One of the season's highlights is the return of the "Harlem Nutcracker," which last year sold out all of its shows. A combination of modern dance and jazz, the show returns this year with four evening performances and two matinees in December.

Pulitzer Prize-winning musician Wynton Marsalis will perform in April. The performance will be the world premiere of one of his compositions that utilizes the instrumentation of Stravinsky's work "L'histoire du Soldat."

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra will hold an extended residency under UMS auspices in September to celebrate the University's Campaign for Michigan - a program that has raised more than $1 billion for the University. The visit includes the opportunity for students to study with the orchestra's players - which more than 800 students took advantage of last year. The residency will culminate with a performance of several Tchaikovsky and Dvorak works.

Another treat near the end of the season will be the MET Orchestra's performance on May 1. Director Georg Solti will deliver a performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 5 that will only be repeated in Carnegie Hall.

UMS's Choral Union will also hold many special performances this year. Its annual performance of Handel's "Messiah" with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra will take place with the help of soloists Nicole Heaston, David Daniels, John Aler and Nathan Berg. The Choral Union will also perform Mendelssohn's "Elijah" under Thomas Sheets' direction in February.

As part of the University's Martin Luther King Day celebrations, the Harlem Boys Choir will perform a variety of music. The performance takes place the weekend before the holiday in Hill Auditorium.

UMS's season is divided into 13 series, each of which consists of performances following a similar vein. Among the series are "Beethoven the Contemporary," consisting of the composer's complete String Quartets and Piano Sonatas, and "Chamber Art," a collection of performances of chamber music. Tickets can be purchased for all performances in a particular series, or concertgoers can create their own series.

UMS has programs designed to increase students' access to its multitude of performances. At the beginning of the fall semester, UMS sells half-off tickets for all shows to students. "That's become a real cool thing," Fischer stated.

Students can pick up unsold tickets for weekly performances on the Friday beforehand for $10.

UMS also offers many group-sale options. It plans to work with fraternities and other living units - offering big discounts when large number of tickets are purchased. In addition, professors can cash in on group sales benefits for classes.

09-03-97