Renowned symphony brings classics to Platteville

The Center for the Arts Performing Arts Series University of Wisconsin-Platteville presents Czech Symphony Orchestra, February 12th at 7:30pm.

Within a very short time after its establishment in 1954, the Czech Symphony Orchestra (also known as the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra Ostrava) ranked among the leading Czech symphonic orchestras. Since 1958, when it made its first tour abroad, the orchestra has repeatedly visited Europe, the U.S.A., Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. In 2006, thanks to the financial support provided by the Municipality of the City of Ostrava and Arcelor Mittal, the Czech Sympony Orchestra became the second Czech symphonic orchestra that has been given the opportunity to present itself to the Antipodes.

Since the 90´s the Czech Symphony Orchestra has also systematically been involved in performing both the Czech and the world’s “new music”. Together with the Ostrava New Music Center and the participation of the world’s leading composers and performers the Czech Symphony Orchestra have been organizing summer festivals and creative workshops for young composers from the whole world.

The active approach of chief conductors Christian Arming and Petr Vronský has contributed a great deal to the development of this area of the Czech Symphony Orchestra performance. The results of their systematic work have also reflected in other areas of performance. Theodore Kuchar, the present Chief Conductor, has been carrying on with their work and intensively developing the quality of the Czech Symphony Orchestra.

The Czech Symphony will also feature renowned violinist Jennifer Frautschi. Born in Pasadena, California, Frautschi began the violin at age three. She has studied at the Colburn School for the Performing Arts as well as Harvard and Juilliard, where she studied with Robert Mann. She performs on a 1722 Antonio Stradivarius Violin known as the “ex-Cadiz.”

Tickets for this event are $26 for General Admission $24 for Faculty and Senior Citizens $18 for Kids Under 18 and $8 for UWP Students (with current ID).

Tickets are available through the University Box Office in the Center for the Arts the University Box Office is open Monday through Friday 9am-5pm and can be reached by calling (608)-342-1298. The University Box Office is located in newly renovated Ullsvik Hall located at the intersection of Hickory and Main Streets in Platteville. Tickets are now available online 24/7 at http://tickets.uwplatt.edu. More information on the Performing Arts Series and other performance events can be found at http://uwplatt.edu/arts/cfa.

Newest ‘Dave Mathews Band’ member makes Platteville stop

The Center for the Arts Performing Arts Series University of Wisconsin-Platteville presents Jeff Coffin and his Mu’Tet, February 6th at 7:30pm.

Jeff Coffin, well-traveled saxophonist/composer, and two-time Grammy Award winning member of Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, rejects all labels and categories other than "music" and "musician." Coffin was recently added as the saxophone player for the well known Dave Mathew’s Band replacing founding member Leroi Moore.

Since 1997, Coffin has traveled the world with the Flecktones, performing with musicians of all walks. Some of those he has shared the stage and the recording studio include such diverse artists as Branford Marsalis, Garth Brooks, Phish, Van Morrison, The Dixie Chicks, Lynyrd Skynyrd and many, many others.

Along the way, Coffin has absorbed an astounding range of influences. "Whether it be New Orleans Second Line, African music, Indian Ragas, folk songs, Alan Lomax field recordings, jazz, or funk," he says, "the spirit and breath of the music is what I take away from listening and playing. It's what decides for me whether I like it or not."

Known for sometimes playing alto and tenor sax simultaneously, with a nod to Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Coffin seeks out the extraordinary in his saxophone sound and in his technique of improvisation. Reaching for the unique is something Jeff makes an integral part of both his playing and teaching. Jeff’s own group The Mu'tet, which takes its name for the word mutation, giving way to Jeff's belief that music is constantly changing and mutating.

Coffin has played on hundreds of recordings, and has performed around the world including a 2007 performance at the esteemed Carnegie Hall. As a highly in demand educator, Jeff has presented clinics from Farmington, Maine to Perth, Australia and is also an internationally acclaimed Yamaha and Vandoren Performing Artist/Clinician since 2000.

This event is presented by the Center for the Arts as the opening night of the annual UWP Jazz Festival.

Tickets for this event are $6 for General Admission $6 for Faculty and Senior Citizens $6 for Kids Under 18 and $2 for UWP Students (with current ID).

Tickets are available through the University Box Office in the Center for the Arts the University Box Office is open Monday through Friday 9am-5pm and can be reached by calling (608)-342-1298. The University Box Office is located in newly renovated Ullsvik Hall located at the intersection of Hickory and Main Streets in Platteville. Tickets are now available online 24/7 at http://tickets.uwplatt.edu. More information on the Performing Arts Series and other performance events can be found at http://uwplatt.edu/arts/cfa.

Movie Superstar brings Broadway to Platteville.

The Center for the Arts Performing Arts Series University of Wisconsin-Platteville presents Jesus Christ Superstar, February 15th at 3pm and 8pm.

Internationally beloved star Ted Neeley, best known for his Golden Globe nominated role as Jesus in the Norman Jewison film of Superstar will be headlining this tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. While Ted has enjoyed a distinguished career in resident theatres throughout America, appearing in a wide variety of productions from Hair to the works of Samuel Beckett, he is world renowned for the title role in Jesus Christ Superstar. Creating a fan base that borders on a cult-like phenomenon, this production heralds the long awaited triumphant return of Ted Neeley in the title role.

Director Dallett Norris (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Can-Can, South Pacific) says, "What could be better than having Ted Neeley, so grand in the film, on board as we delve into Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s brilliant musical telling of this timeless story. Their idea of setting this tale in terms that immediately resonate with today's audiences is revolutionary. Here we are, twenty-one centuries later, and it is oh, so clear: we need the message of this story now more than ever."

The first collaboration between Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be performed on the professional stage, Jesus Christ Superstar is one of the most popular and enduring works ever created for the musical theatre. Featuring such notable songs as Superstar, Everything’s Alright and I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Superstar earned five TONY nominations.

Set in two acts, Jesus Christ Superstar tells the story of the final seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Superstar dramatizes Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, the unrest caused by his preaching and popularity, his betrayal by Judas, the trial before Pontius Pilate, and his ultimate crucifixion. Perpetually changing the face of musical theatre Superstar will leave audiences captivated by its power.

Already seen and loved by thousands, don’t miss the opportunity to introduce a new generation to this exhilarating and significant piece of musical theatre, Jesus Christ Superstar, the original rock opera.

Tickets for this event are $40 for General Admission $38 for Faculty and Senior Citizens $32 for Kids Under 18 and $22 for UWP Students (with current ID).

Tickets are available through the University Box Office in the Center for the Arts the University Box Office is open Monday through Friday 9am-5pm and can be reached by calling (608)-342-1298. The University Box Office is located in newly renovated Ullsvik Hall located at the intersection of Hickory and Main Streets in Platteville. Tickets are now available online 24/7 at http://tickets.uwplatt.edu. More information on the Performing Arts Series and other performance events can be found at http://uwplatt.edu/arts/cfa.

Legendary dance-company returns to Platteville

PLATTEVILLE-The Center for the Arts Performing Arts Series University of Wisconsin-Platteville presents Ailey II, February 3rd at 7:30pm.

Ailey II is an exceptional company that merges the spirit and energy of the country’s best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding emerging choreographers. Ailey II began in 1974 as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, when Alvin Ailey initiated a workshop composed of the most promising scholarship students from The Ailey School. The original members of the Company were handpicked by Mr. Ailey from among that group. Ailey II embodies Mr. Ailey’s pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training and community programs for all people. Today, it has become one of the most popular dance companies in the United States.

Under the artistic direction of Sylvia Waters, Ailey II invigorates the American dance scene by offering unique opportunities for artists. Ailey II company members refine their technique while gaining invaluable performing and teaching experience during their tenure with the Company. Throughout its history, many Ailey II company members have gone on to pursue successful careers as dancers, teachers and choreographers with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, other professional dance companies, on Broadway and in schools.

Ailey II continues to win unmatched critical praise for its residencies at major colleges and universities as well as its visits to elementary, middle and high schools across the U.S. The Company has received numerous honors, awards and proclamations in recognition of its community outreach programs. Showcasing the talent of the country’s best young dancers, the critically acclaimed Ailey II brings exciting dance and innovative outreach programs to diverse communities throughout the country.

Join the celebration as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, America’s cultural ambassador to the world, marks its 50th anniversary of bringing African-American cultural expression and the American modern dance tradition to the world’s stages.

Tickets for this event are $22 for General Admission $20 for Faculty and Senior Citizens $18 for Kids Under 18 and $8 for UWP Students (with current ID).

Tickets are available through the University Box Office in the Center for the Arts the University Box Office is open Monday through Friday 9am-5pm and can be reached by calling (608)-342-1298. The University Box Office is located in newly renovated Ullsvik Hall located at the intersection of Hickory and Main Streets in Platteville. Tickets are now available online 24/7 at http://tickets.uwplatt.edu. More information on the Performing Arts Series and other performance events can be found at http://uwplatt.edu/arts/cfa.