Patrons of of classical music who have never enjoyed a Sunday Salon concert on the stage of the Foellinger Great Hall of Urbana’s Krannert Center have missed one of the really special experiences this community has to offer. Simply walking on
that stage is a great experience, but to sit and listen to a rising star in the field of classical music there is a singular sensation.
This semester, the Krannert Center is offering three of these Sunday afternoon concerts that showcase different areas of the classical performing sphere. Beginning January 31st, the concerts begin with cellist Chrisina Lamprea. This Colombian-American rising star of the string world is coming off wins in the 2013 Sphinx Competition and the Astral Artists 2013 National Auditions.
She has announced a program of works by Ludwig van Beethoven, Leoš Janáček, Jeffrey Mumford, and Sergei Rachmaninov. She will be accompanied by New York-based pianist Andrea Lam.
Flip the calendar to Sunday, March 13th, and Korean born violinist Mo Yang will demonstrate why he is one of great new talents in the string section of classical music. This native of Seoul is currently finishing his studies at the New England Conservatory of Music, but his student status has not kept him from grabbing gold and silver medals in two of the most prestigious international competitions. He has yet to announce a program for his March 13th Krannert concert.
Flip the calendar once more to Sunday, May 1st. Here Krannert has promised us one of their Debut Artists, but to date the artist for has not been named. The Debut Artist competition is a tradition spanning thirty years, where the winning performer secures the last slot in the Sunday Salon series. The word on this artist should be out by early February.
Students can sit in Foellinger Great Hall regular concerts seats for $5, and the public can enjoy these concerts from these seats for $10. But, the really great way to experience these brilliant young artists is to upgrade to the stage where you will be served snacks and champagne. These tickets range from a mere $15 for students to $47 for the general public per concert. Please note that all Sunday Salon concerts begin at 3:00 p.m.
Of the two announced artists, there no recordings currently available. This is your splendid opportunity to sample a new generation of musical talent before they become headliners with the major symphony orchestras. For further information check the Krannert website, or call the Krannert ticket office at: 213-333-6280.
UPDATE: (1/27/16) Today, Krannert Center announced the winner of the Debut Artist competition. Flautist Jae Eun Jenny Shin has captured highest honors, while the Honorable Mention goes to Jiyeon Choi, clarinet. Shin will be the featured performer at the May 1st Sunday Salon; repertoire and additional program information is forthcoming, and choral balcony seating is still available.
All images courtesy Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.