This year’s Concerts at RWC series includes an eclectic array of musical styles, including classical, folk, a cappella, and even the music of old world Russia.The series opens on Saturday, Nov. 3, with pianist Michael Chertock. According to college officials, Chertock has been praised for his elegant musical interpretation of contemporary American composers such as Gershwin and Bernstein and his traditional piano repertoire. Chertock has performed in more than 100 orchestral performances with the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra, Boston Pops, l’Orchestra Symphonique du Montreal, and many more.
John McCutcheon comes to Concerts at RWC on Saturday, Jan. 26. College representatives call McCutcheon not only a prolific storyteller and brilliant folk musician, but a master of the melodic dulcimer. He pushes the bounds of the ancient instrument with 20th century music including country, rock, and jazz. He has produced over 25 albums in as many years, and has been nominated five times for a Grammy Award. McCutcheon has been featured on public radio and has performed from Seattle to Sydney, including many times at RWC, where his shows are reportedly always sellouts.
The Baby Grands come to Concerts at RWC on Saturday, Feb. 23. The all-female group of students from the School of Creative and Performing Arts offers a cappella styles including madrigals, vocal jazz, rock and roll, and more. Formed in 1997, The Baby Grands have graced the stage of the Aronoff Center, Music Hall, Taft Auditorium, and other local venues. They have won vocal competitions in Virginia Beach and San Francisco, and in 1999 they were invited to perform at the Ohio Music Educators annual conference. The group has already produced four CDs and is now planning a tour in Europe.
Attendees will have the chance to simulate travel to old world Russia for a night of dance numbers, humorous folksongs, and lyrical suites when Moscow Nights closes out the Concerts at RWC season on Saturday, April 6. According to College spokespersons, this trio of men from Russia took Western Europe by storm and are now establishing themselves as one of the fastest-rising folk groups in the United States. Moscow Nights’ vibrant performances present an authentic picture of Russian folk traditions and culture, down to the clothing they wear and the instruments they play.
Subscription tickets for all four performances of the 2001-2002 season are on sale now for $25 per person. Single tickets go on sale three weeks before each performance and are $8.
For information call the Raymond Walters Ticket Line at 745-5705. All shows are at 8 p.m. in the Raymond Walters College Theater, 9555 Plainfield Road in Blue Ash.