Colorado State University Takes Music Extravaganza to Town

The Lincoln Center in Fort Collins will overflow with singing, strings, percussion and brass Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in a Music Gala by faculty and students from the department of music, theatre and dance at Colorado State University.

The Chamber Singers will open the evening with ballads and spirituals, followed by The University Orchestra and University Singers performing Howard Hansen’s "Song of Democracy" in a vivid tribute to American music. The Wind Ensemble with Janet Landreth on piano will present George Gershwin’s "Rhapsody in Blue" and Vincent Persichetti’s "Celebrations."

The finale will feature Colorado State’s voice faculty in performances of Giuseppe Verdi’s "Rigoletto" and Charles Gounod’s "Faust." Voice faculty include Karen Lauer, Michael Lipe, John Lueck and Janet Morrow King.

"This is a very exciting and important concert," said Lee Egbert, director of the choral program at Colorado State. "The performance gives students and faculty the chance to display their considerable talents in a community setting, and family and friends will be able to come out and enjoy an evening of fine music."

"The Music Gala will take our concerts downtown," said Bill Runyan, chairman of the department of music, theatre and dance. "We’re always looking for new ways to present performing arts to residents across the region, and I think this concert will show how strong our program has become."

Tickets for Music Gala cost $3 for students and children and $7 for non-students. Information is available at the Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia, (970) 221-6730; or by calling (970) 491-5529.