Purdue News

September 18, 1998 New Purdue Symphony series to bring in big names WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The Purdue Symphony Orchestra will establish a formal concert series thanks to a start-up grant from the Clowes Fund. "Establishing a formal concert series is a significant step for us because it enables us to bring internationally renowned soloists to campus," said Jay Gephart, assistant professor of bands. "It also will allow us to plan a repertoire in advance and advertise the entire series." The grant will fund the first year of the concert series while funding is sought for the series in future years. In late May, Allen W. Clowes, president and treasurer of the Clowes Fund, presented $22,000 to the Purdue Symphony Orchestra to cover concert hall rental, advertising, international artist fees, and concert video and audio recording expenses. The Purdue Symphony Orchestra will use the funds to provide musical outreach to the campus community and the citizens of Lafayette and West Lafayette. The four Sunday concerts in the series during this school year will be free and open to the public. The series will culminate with a performance of a major work and a performance by the winner of the Purdue Concert Competition. The concerts series schedule: Oct. 25 -- 2:30 p.m. in Loeb Playhouse, Stewart Center. Dec. 6 -- 7 p.m. in the Long Center, 111 N. Sixth St., Lafayette. Feb. 28 -- 7 p.m. at the Purdue Memorial Union South Ballroom. This will be the High School Honors Band Concert with the Lafayette Jefferson High School Band. April 18 -- 2:30 p.m. in Loeb Playhouse, Stewart Center. The Dec. 6 concert will feature world-renowned violist Amy Brandfonbrenner. "Mrs. Brandfonbrenner's depth of expertise and professional experience set her apart from any of the performers we have had in the past," Gephart said. "She is a Chicago native currently residing in West Lafayette, so we'll experience the added benefit of artistry from the community." The Clowes Fund was established in 1952 by the late Edith W. Clowes, George H. A. Clowes and Allen W. Clowes to support high education institutions, the performing arts and social services, primarily in Indiana and Massachusetts. Typical recipients of grants from the Clowes fund include arts associations and councils, ballet libraries, music, opera, and public broadcasting. Although Purdue has no school of music, students can participate in a wide variety of instrumental musical activities, including five concert bands, four jazz bands, a full symphony orchestra, a vocal jazz group, the largest marching band in the country, individual instrumental study, and a multitude of solo and ensemble opportunities. The department is in the midst of a $2 million fund-raising campaign that will run through Homecoming 1999 with a goal of $400,000 for band scholarships, $800,000 for new instruments, and $800,000 to support student travel opportunities. CONTACT: Amy Cox, Purdue Bands publicist, (765) 496-2697; e-mail: pubands@omni.cc.purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page