NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music and the Cole Performing Arts Series will present the Piney Woods Camerata performing "The World of Eric Carle" at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, in Cole Concert Hall.
An American designer, illustrator and author of children's books, Eric Carle is most famous for the book "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," which has been translated into more than 50 languages.
The recital will feature songs written by British composer Julian Nott, who wrote the sound tracks for five of Carle's children's stories, which were released as an animated film in 2006.
Dr. Evgeni Raychev, instructor of cello at SFA and founder of the Piney Woods Camerata, has been communicating with the composer for about two years exploring the idea of performing the sound tracks for the DVD that include "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," "Papa, Please Get the Moon For Me," "The Mixed-Up Chameleon," "The Very Quiet Cricket" and "I See a Song."
"The music, which he sent to me this summer, is not published," Raychev said. "It is my understanding this performance will be a live world premiere, and I consider this opportunity an honor of the highest degree."
Nott maybe best known for writing the music in the Wallace & Gromit films.
The concert will be a joint collaboration between SFA School of Music faculty and students. Dr. David Campo, associate director of bands, will conduct the performance, and Dr. Jamie Dahman, assistant professor of voice, will narrate.
"The idea for this concert was conceived with children in mind," Raychev said, "so young audience members are most welcome."
Cole Concert Hall is located in the Wright Music Building, 2210 Alumni Drive.
Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students. For tickets or more information, visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 486-6407.
Axe ’Em, Jacks!