SFA voice faculty recital features works by Verdi, Handel, DuParc

Richard G. Leonberger (left) and Tod Fish

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Drs. Tod Fish and Richard G. Leonberger, voice faculty members in the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music, will perform in a joint recital at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, in the Music Recital Hall in the Wright Music Building on the SFA campus.

Dr. Ron Petti, director of accompanying at SFA, will join Fish and Leonberger and other voice faculty members Charlotte Davis, Dr. Chris Turner and Dr. Scott LaGraff on a program that features the varied works of French, German, Czech, Italian and English composers.

Fish wanted to prepare the recital as an example to music students of the importance of maintaining solo repertoire.

"I have not prepared any type of solo recital in more than 20 years," he said." I decided I wanted to do one to show our music education students that we must never give up on honing our solo performance craft, even as classroom teachers/conductors."

Davis will join Leonberger to sing the duet "La Fuite" to cap off his set of Henri DuParc songs. He will also be joined by LaGraff to sing the famous "Don Carlo" duet by Giuseppe Verdi.

Turner will then join Leonberger, LaGraff and Fish to conclude the concert with a selection performed by their faculty male quartet, The Lumbertones.

Fish will perform "Total Eclipse" from "Samson" by George Frideric Handel, a set of popular 19th century lieder by four German composers, and a set of Italian songs by Giacomo Puccini.

In addition to a French set by DuParc, Leonberger will also perform a set of English songs by Roger Quilter, and an aria from "Prodaná nevesta" by Bedrich Smetna.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed preparing this recital," Fish said. "I am thankful for supportive colleagues who are willing to join me for the event."

The recital is part of the SFA School of Music's Cole Performing Arts Series. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students and youth. For tickets or more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS or visit http://www.finearts.sfasu.edu/.