Followers of the arts in Champaign-Urbana have a lot to brag about, including some pretty astounding local legacies — people who’ve gone on to national and worldwide acclaim. It makes that recognition all the more special when those local legacies return to town. Treat yourself to just such a reminder on May 1st at Urbana’s Krannert Center for the Performing Arts when Nathan and Julie Gunn perform in concert.
Nathan Gunn’s Midwestern roots were transplanted from South Bend, Indiana, to the University of Illinois’ School of Music. He later graduated, moved on the fame in the operatic world, and returned as Professor of Voice in 2007. His career as one of the world’s leading baritones has taken him to the stages of opera companies all over the world, two PBS broadcasts, and numerous concert appearances. At these concert venues, he has experimented with and excels at what the Krannert guide calls “classical mix,” featuring chamber ensembles, small orchestras, vocalists, keyboardists, and other instrumentalists. No matter where his talents take him, though, the best news is that, once a year, he and his wife and accompanist, Julie, schedule a concert in the Foellinger Great Hall.
Julie Gunn, who holds an undergraduate degree from Dartmouth, a Masters Degree and a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Illinois, is Associate Professor of Accompanying and Assistant Director of Development and Engagement at the University of Illinois School of Music. She also happens to be Mrs. Nathan Gunn and his superlative accompanist. She will be doing some serious accompanying come May 1, supporting not only her husband’s magnificent baritone voice, but also the voice of mezzo soprano Isabel Leonard and violinist Stefan Milenkovich. This concert of classical mix promises to be something really special.
Of the twenty or so CDs and DVDs on which Nathan Gunn is featured, there is a clear trend in recent years of including more crossover music, including more popular and folk songs that have achieved high status. The program — or set list, if you will — for the May 1st concert has not been announced in great detail, but it promises a range “from Bernstein to Sondheim.” Any evening with these two superbly talented faculty members is a worthy investment; and when you add to the mix one of the nation’s most promising mezzo sopranos and a great violinist, you have the makings of an evening of classical mix entertainment that just might take your mind off Finals Week.
For more information go to www.krannertcenter.com or call the Krannert box office at (217) 333-6280.