WFU announces 2001-2002 Secrest Artists Series

The Sept. 7 performance at 8 p.m. in Brendle Recital Hall will be the opening event in the six-concert 2001-2002 season.

Accademia di San Rocco performs chamber music from the 17th and 18th centuries on authentic instruments of the period. The group’s name is taken from the “Scuola Grande di San Rocco” in Venice, the Tintoretto-decorated hall where they often perform.

Russian piano virtuoso Arcadi Volodos will perform the second event on Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. in Wait Chapel. Volodos, who studied at Moscow Conservatory, made his Carnegie Hall debut in 1998. His most recent recording, a live performance of the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, was released in fall 2000.

Often compared to Vladimir Horowitz, Volodos won the 1999 Gramophone Award in the Instrumental Category.

The Salzburg Marionette Theater will present Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” on Nov. 19 and 20 at 8 p.m. in the Scales Fine Arts Center MainStage Theatre. Founded in 1913 by sculptor Anton Aicher, the Salzburg Marionette Theater specializes in the performance of opera using 2 ‡-foot marionettes on a tiny stage. Recordings of famous singers and orchestras accompany the puppets.

The Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra will bring the music of three Czech composers-Dvorak, Smetana and Martineu-to Wait Chapel on Jan. 31 at 8 p.m. Conducted by Vladimir Valek, the orchestra will feature piano soloist Jan Simon. Founded in 1926, the orchestra has performed throughout the world and made numerous recordings.

Described by the Los Angeles Times as “high speed wonders,” the Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadanco) will perform on March 6 at 8 p.m. in Brendle Recital Hall. The performance is co-sponsored by the Secrest Series and Wake Forest’s dance program. The dance company emphasizes innovative works by American composers and is known for its provocative modern dance repertory. Artistic Director Joan Myers Brown founded the primarily African-American dance company 30 years ago. Philadanco will present a new piece by five women choreographers titled, “Messages from the Heart.”

The all-female Cuban string orchestra, Camerata Romeu, will conclude the Secrest season with a concert on March 21 at 8 p.m. in Brendle Recital Hall. The program will include works from the classical repertoire and pieces by contemporary Cuban composers. The concert is co-sponsored by Wake Forest’s Romance languages department.

Season tickets for the Secrest Artists Series are $97 and are available through the Secrest office by calling 336-758-5757. Individual tickets will be available beginning Sept. 4 and will be $18; $13 for senior citizens and non-Wake Forest students. Group discounts are available. Pre-concert lectures are scheduled in conjunction with each event and begin 45 minutes before each concert.