Next 360° Thursdays concert, ‘Stories without Words’

UW-Green Bay Music will highlight the music of Frederic Chopin in “Stories without Words,” the next installment of its 360° Thursdays concert series, at 6:30 p.m. April 9 in Fort Howard Hall at the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts. UW-Green Bay faculty member and pianist Michael Rector will take the listener on a musical journey using Chopin’s work as a roadmap in this lecture-recital.

From the “hoof-beats of Polish cavalry” to the “wind over the graves,” Chopin’s music inspires fantastical imagery and stories in the imaginations of his listeners. Though the composer insisted his work was pure and abstract, clues to hidden narratives abound. Chopin alludes to opera, dance, sacred music and many other contemporary styles.

Rector will explore Chopin’s references and explain how he combined them to guide the listener on a musical exploration, using these compositions: Waltz in A-flat Major, Op. 42; Nocturne in C-sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 1; Mazurka in C-sharp Minor, Op. 30, No. 4; Nocturne in G Minor, Op. 15, No. 3; Mazurka in C-sharp Minor, Op. 50, No. 3; Ballade in F Major, Op. 38; and Ballade in F Minor, Op. 52.

Rector is committed as a dedicated teacher, researcher and advocate for the arts. He strives to make the language of classical music vivid for people of all ages and backgrounds. As a pianist, he invigorates and expands the repertoire through innovative programming that re-contextualizes familiar pieces and makes vivid new and neglected works.

Now in its second season, the 360° Thursdays concert series features a diversity of performance styles designed to broaden attendees’ horizons and deepen their understanding of music. The concert-lecture event helps students, faculty, staff and community members connect with music in more meaningful ways. Performances feature scintillating and provocative pre-concert discussions by a composer, performer or arranger. Attendees will consider a single aspect of music through multiple perspectives.

Each 360° Thursdays performance takes place at 6:30 p.m. in Fort Howard Hall at the Weidner Center on campus, 2420 Nicolet Drive. Concerts are free but a $5 suggested donation is appreciated. More information about the series is available online. UW-Green Bay is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music. More information about UW-Green Bay Music is available online, on Facebook and on Twitter.

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