The Coker College Music Program will present a two-day event Nov. 11-12 to honor the Centennial Celebration of composer Benjamin Britten. Britten, an English composer born in 1913, spent several years writing and performing in America. Coker will join hundreds of colleges and universities around the country in celebrating the 100th anniversary of his birth.
Included in the two-day event will be lectures, recitals and concerts from Coker faculty, students and guest artists who will perform several of Britten’s works. The works that will be performed include Rejoice in the Lamb, The Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo and Charm of Lullabies, as well as several of his folksong arrangements.
“We are excited to make our contribution to the Benjamin Britten movement of schools hosting centennial events,” said Serena Hill-LaRoche, assistant professor of music and coordinator of vocal studies. “Our goal is to immerse the campus and community in the colorful and picturesque world of Britten through performances, lectures and other educational opportunities. We feel we have a strong lineup that will capture the essence of this famous composer.”
The centennial celebration will include six events: two on Monday, Nov. 11 and four on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
At 5:30 p.m. on Monday, the celebration begins with an opening lecture and reception in Coker’s Black Box Theater, led by guest speaker Sarah Williams (University of South Carolina). Following that, at 7:30 p.m., will be a guest artists recital in Watson Theater put on by Ron Brendel (Lee University) and Catherine Garner (East Carolina University).
Tuesday’s events kick off at 10 a.m. in the Recital Hall with a master class from guest clinician Jami Rhodes (East Carolina University). A short lecture on Britten stage works, with performances by Coker students, will follow at 2 p.m. in the Recital Hall. At 5 p.m., a faculty/guest artist recital from Hill-LaRoche, Rhodes and Garner will take place in Watson Theater.
The two-day event concludes on Tuesday with a Britten gala concert featuring the Coker Singers, Coker faculty and guest artists. This is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Hartsville.
Britten was an English composer who became popular during the 1940s. His career as a composer was matched by his ability as a performer. He was both a refined pianist and a spontaneous and fluent conductor.
Some of Britten’s famous works include The Rape of Lucretia (1946), Noye’s Fludde (1957), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1960) and Death in Venice (1971-73).
For more information on the two-day event, contact Hill-LaRoche at 843-383-8061 or shill@coker.edu.
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