Fresno State becomes the beacon for classical music enthusiasts and literary aficionados as it hosts the 7th Art Song Festival from Feb. 22 to 24. Celebrating the enchanting blend of poetry and music, the Art Song Festival stands as a testament to the interdisciplinary nature of the arts, bringing together the melodic intricacies of classical music with the profound depths of poetic expression.
Key Events
10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17
FSR Underground’s Artful Discourse features Dr. Maria Briggs and Dr. Anthony Radford discussing the Art Song Festival
Listen live on FSR Underground | Replay is available at 10:30 a.m. on Spotify.
12:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at the Concert Hall
Faculty Recital and Q&A – Thomas Michael Allen, tenor; Drew Quiring, collaborative piano
Free and open to the public
5 p.m. Thursday, Feb 22, at the Concert Hall
Faculty Recital – Maria Briggs, soprano; Peter Klimo, piano; Thomas Loewenheim, cello; Limor Toren-Immerman, violin
Free and open to the public
2:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at the Concert Hall
Faculty Recital – Maya Kherani, soprano; Drew Quiring, harpsichord
Free and open to the public
7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23 at the Concert Hall
Poetry, Composition, Voice and Piano duo, Vocal Showcase finals
Tickets are $5 for General Admission and free for Fresno State employees, all students and children under 12.
What is an Art Song?
An Art Song is a unique musical composition that marries a poem with vocal music, typically performed by a pianist and a singer. Rooted in the classical tradition, these songs transcend the boundaries of mere entertainment, offering a rich, emotive experience that showcases the seamless integration of lyrical poetry and musical artistry. This festival offers a splendid opportunity for both connoisseurs and newcomers to delve into this exquisite form of musical expression.
A Celebration of Interdisciplinary Arts
The Art Song Festival at Fresno State is not just an event; it’s a cultural expedition that spans three days of performances, masterclasses, competitions, lectures and discussions. The festival’s interdisciplinary approach not only highlights the synergy between music and poetry but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art song genre.
Star-Studded Performances
This year, the festival is graced by the presence of opera luminaries Maya Kherani, a soprano known for her captivating performances, and Thomas Michael Allen, a tenor whose voice has enchanted audiences worldwide. Their participation promises to elevate the festival’s performances, offering attendees a rare glimpse into the prowess of internationally acclaimed artists.
Competitions and Showcases
One of the festival’s highlights is its commitment to nurturing emerging talents through various competitions. The event features a composition competition, in which composers create original art songs; a vocal competition, spotlighting the vocal abilities of aspiring singers and a poetry competition, in which poets contribute their lyrical creations, fostering a vibrant community of artists.
The festival culminates at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, with a grand finale that showcases the winners of the poetry, music composition, and vocal competitions. Joined by a pianist, this collaborative performance brings to life the winning art song, symbolizing the festival’s ethos of interdisciplinary artistry. Furthermore, the audience plays a crucial role in the festivities by voting for their favorite song, resulting in the much-anticipated Audience Favorite Award.
ChatGPT contributed to this story.
The College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State 