Jan. 21 , 2005 CONTACT: Carol Anderson 734.487.4400 Carol.Anderson@emich.edu

EMU to host Music Fest Now, Feb. 23-25

YPSILANTI – Well-known composer Michael Schelle and his music will take center stage at Eastern Michigan University’s Music Now Fest 2005 Feb. 23-25. The event is a celebration of contemporary music featuring the work of a distinguished living American composer, as well as EMU faculty and students.

This year, EMU’s 14th biennial music festival will present concerts, recitals, lectures, discussions and open rehearsals around the work of Schelle, composer-in-residence and professor of music composition and theory at Butler University.

Events are in Pease Auditorium, unless otherwise noted, and free, except for the festival finale. Finale tickets are $8 and available at the door or in advance at the EMU Convocation Center, 734.487.2282; or Quirk Theatre Box Office, 734.487.1221.

Schelle’s works have been commissioned and performed by more than 20 major orchestras throughout the United States, including the Detroit Symphony, and he has twice been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.  He will interact directly with students and the public during the events:

Wednesday, Feb. 23

• Faculty and Arianna String Quartet, 8 p.m. Selections include “The Bells,” “Licorice Stick,” “Hymn of Peace,” ”String Quartet No. 3,” and “Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano.”

Thursday, Feb. 24

• Composer Convocation and Welcome, 11 a.m. Schelle will discuss and play selections from his compositions.
• Open Orchestra Rehearsal, 1 p.m. Open rehearsal with Schelle and the EMU Symphony Orchestra, directed by Kevin Miller.
• Open Choir Rehearsal, 3 p.m. Open rehearsal with the University Choir, directed by Leonard Riccinto.
• Chamber Music of Michael Schelle, 8 p.m. Selections by Schelle include “Howl,” “Hammerstein,” “Gimme Shelter” and “Struwwelpeter,” performed by guest singer Steven Stolen.

Friday, Feb. 25

• Open Band Rehearsal, 11 a.m. Open rehearsal with Schelle and the EMU Wind Symphony, directed by Scott Boerma.

• Meet the Composer, 2 p.m., Alexander Recital Hall. Schelle leads an informal discussion of his music and 21st century music.

• Festival Finale, 8 p.m. EMU’s Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, University Choirs and Percussion Ensemble play Schelle’s “Dei Angelis,” “Guttersnipe” and “Samurai.”

For more information, call 734.487.2255 or visit www.emich.edu/music.

Eastern Michigan University is a public, comprehensive university that offers programs in the arts, sciences and professions. EMU prepares students with the intellectual skills and practical experiences to succeed in their careers and lives, and to be better citizens.

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Eastern Michigan University is a public, comprehensive university that offers programs in the arts, sciences and professions. EMU prepares students with the intellectual skills and practical experiences to succeed in their career and lives, and to be better citizens.

Editor's Note: Looking for an expert source for a story? Check out EMU's Eastern Experts online at www.emich.edu/univcomm/easternexperts.

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