The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh music department will perform a broad range of instrumental, vocal, solo and ensemble compositions at the inaugural event Musica Viva! from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Arts and Communications Music Hall on April 16.
The event will begin with a semiformal reception at 6:30 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres, beverages and a silent auction. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. and will showcase collaborative performances by UW Oshkosh faculty, students and alumni that cross many genres, styles and historical periods.
Maria Payant, a senior music vocal performance major, was recommended by her voice instructor Joyce Andrews and then chosen by a music faculty committee to perform at the event.
“The program is made up of both faculty and students, so it is very exciting to be able to share the stage with my professors and colleagues,” Payant said. “The professors that are performing are experienced performers who have traveled the world and are now sharing their talents and passion with students. The students are the classical musicians of tomorrow, the upcoming stars of the musical world.”
Payant will perform a vocal solo of “O Mio Babbino Caro” from Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini. She explained that having an opportunity to see such a varied presentation of dedicated, talented musicians is “truly exciting.”
The evening will conclude with an afterglow reception in the lobby with live music, dessert buffet and the conclusion of the silent auction, of which items are donated by local businesses.
The cost to attend Musica Viva! is $40, which includes hors d’oeuvres, live performance and afterglow dessert reception. Sponsors of this event include the UW Oshkosh Foundation, Wisconsin Public Radio, Heid Music, JW Pepper and the Oshkosh Northwestern.
Department of Music Chair Carl Chapman said that all proceeds from the event will go towards UW Oshkosh music scholarships.
“The proceeds will help to augment funds for music performance scholarships offered to incoming students through on-campus auditions,” said Chapman.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Musica Viva! website.