Art, Music Come Together for New Music Ensemble's First Concert

Photo Submitted

Jamal Duncan

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas New Music Ensemble will hold its inaugural concert with a performance of Donald Grantham’s Music for the Blanton at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, in the Stella Boyle Concert Hall. The public is invited, and admission is free.

“The purpose of the New Music Ensemble is to give our students contact with the music of living composers,” said Jamal Duncan, assistant professor of music in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. “Written for the opening of the Blanton Art Museum on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin, Music for the Blanton is an hour-long tour celebrating the intersection of visual art and music.”

The program will feature narration by guest artist Henry Runkles, instructor and piano director in the department of music.

“Grantham has musically depicted eight of the works of art on display in the Blanton's collection,” said Duncan. “With our museum guide, professor Runkles, the audience will be able to enjoy the works of visual art side-by-side with the music.”

The New Music Ensemble concert is presented by the department of music in Fulbright College.