Orchestral, Choral, Chamber, Jazz, and Country—It’s All at Bowdoin

By Tom Porter

The 2018-2019 academic year is ending with a musical flourish on the Bowdoin campus, as a host of concerts showcases the breadth of talent possessed by Bowdoin students. Orchestral performances, chamber concerts, voice recitals, jazz groups, and even a celebration of women’s country music are all being featured.

One of the highlights of this year’s program was the Bowdoin Orchestra’s concert on May 1, which included George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and the opening movement of Mozart’s Piano Concerto no. 21, both featuring student soloists. The past weekend also included two jazz evenings, the Spring Dance Concert, and a performance by the Chamber Choir, which featured an original work by Professor of Music Vineet Shende.

There are many performances still to come this week, including student chamber ensembles at “Chamberfest” tonight (May 7) at 7:30 p.m. in Studzinski Retical Hall. On Wednesday at 4:30 p.m., Carolyn Brady ’19 will be giving a recital in the Bowdoin Chapel. Thursday May 9 is a particularly busy day, with a midday concert by student performers followed at 4:30 p.m. by a piano recital featuring students of Beckwith Artist in Residence George Lopez. Rounding off the day is a performance at 7:00 p.m., in which the Bowdoin Symphony Orchestra will host the Coastal Youth Orchestra, a community initiative to support a local music program through mentoring youth in the greater Brunswick area. All of Thursday’s events take place in Studzinski Recital Hall and some will be broadcast live at www.bowdoin.edu/live .

There is plenty more action at “Studz” on Friday, when students performers gather at noon for a concert billed as “Lunchbreak.” Later in the afternoon, at 4:30 p.m., they will be holding their “Finale” concert. At 7:30 p.m. senior Charlotte Nash and her country band will be celebrating women’s country music, as they perform pieces by Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn, as well as by newer artists Kacey Musgraves and Margo Price—so saddle up! Finally, on Saturday, May 11, at 7:30 p.m., also in Studz, Isabel Udell ’19 will be performing an evening of vocal music, ranging from American jazz classics to Brazilian bossa nova to R&B hits.