Music at Noon
When | Wednesday, March 16, 2016, 12:30 PM |
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Location | Crowell Music Bldg., Lansing Recital Hall |
Contact | 562-903-4892 |
Admission | FREE |
Brahms' Ghost Trio
The members of Brahms' Ghost Trio, Wendy Case, violin; Robert Nicholson, cello; and Mary Vanhoozer, piano, are quickly distinguishing themselves as creative performers and educators. The trio name, Brahms' Ghost, gives a nod to influential composers who might have 'haunted' Brahms, as well as to composers since Brahms who might feel they work forever in the shadow of those who have gone before. Brahms' Ghost seeks to render faithful and captivating performances of classical masterpieces from Mozart to Ravel, as well as give voice to more obscure works, contemporary pieces, and new commissions. Brahms' Ghost is somewhat unique in that each member of the ensemble lives in a different state; New York, Ohio, and Michigan. Rather than an obstacle, they choose to see this as a strength; each city represented has it's own personality and and perspective, and has shaped their approach to making music, as well as the kinds of music projects they collaborate on individually. When they come together as a trio, they bring these separate elements into their collaboration, resulting in fresh interpretations and dynamic exchanges.
Josh Rodriguez, composer
Born in Cordoba, Argentina, Josh Rodriguez spent his childhood in Guatemala and Mexico where he began to play piano, guitar, saxophone, and violin. After completing a bachelor's degree in music through Thomas Edison State College, studying under M. Dean Kincaid, he returned to Mexico to work in a bilingual private school for three years. During this time, he studied composition with Myrna Bazán and continued to develop his skills as a local performer. He furthered his education by attending the Cleveland Institute of Music, studying with Keith Fitch and Steven Kohn and earning a Master of Music in Composition. Following graduation, he was awarded the prestigious Eugene V. Cota-Robles Fellowship at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he studied with Ian Krouse, Paul Chihara, David Lefkowitz, Richard Danielpour, and Roger Bourland, and completed his doctorate in composition. His music spans various genres including sacred and secular vocal music, classical concert music, contemporary popular songs, and film scores. Rodriguez is Composer-in-Residence of the Brahms' Ghost Trio, and has worked with numerous ensembles including the Youngstown Scoring Stage, the HASOM Chamber Orchestra, and Symphony Irvine. He and his wife, pianist Mary Vanhoozer, are directors of music at New City Presbyterian Church.