Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Recent compositions by Stephen Lias, professor of music at Stephen F. Austin State University, will be performed during "From the Diaries of Adam and Eve" at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24, in Cole Concert Hall.
The event's title refers to the centerpiece of the program, "a charming dramatic work about Adam and Eve for two singers and chamber ensemble with texts by Mark Twain," said Lias. "Highlighting the comic and poignant differences between the male and female viewpoints, the work will be performed by three married couples."
Scott LaGraff, SFA associate professor of voice, will sing the part of Adam, and his wife, Kimberly, will sing the part of Eve.
Four other SFA music faculty members will provide the instrumental accompaniment. John Roberts, director of the School of Music, and Jean Roberts, adjunct faculty, will play the piano; associate professor Jennifer Dalmas will play the violin; and Evgeni Raychev, adjunct faculty, will play the cello.
The SFA Flute Choir will perform "Mélange of Neumes," a four-movement work that was premiered in New York City and which Lias describes as "whimsical."
The other piece on the program is "River Runner," a three-movement sonata that will be performed by SFA associate professors Deb Scott, trombone, and Ron Petti, piano. Inspired by Lias' kayaking trip through Big Bend National Park, the work is a part of a set he is writing about the National Parks.
Lias' works have been performed in concert and recital halls throughout the United States and abroad by ensembles such as The Louisiana Sinfonietta, NYU New Music Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra Kremlin. His chamber works are regularly premiered at regional and national conferences.
Lias is also active in the area of theatrical incidental music and served for 11 years as composer and music director at the Texas Shakespeare Festival in Kilgore.
The recital is a part of the SFA School of Music's Cole Performing Arts Series. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $2 for students. For tickets or more information, please go to www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.