Toledo Symphony heads Bluffton University's Artist Series

BLUFFTON - The Bluffton University Artist Series kicks off Thursday in style with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. in Yoder Recital Hall.

Bluffton University has hosted the Toledo orchestra four times in the past 20 years, according to Adam Schattschneider, professor of music and director of the artist series.

"We mainly present chamber music, but the Toledo Symphony fits on our stage nicely," he said.

The orchestra will perform various movements from each of the following pieces: Bela Bartok's "Romanian Folk Dances," Fran Joseph Hadyn's "Divertimento in D for Chello and String Orchestra," Erich Wolfgang Korngold's "Much Ado About Nothing: Suite" and Haydn's "Symphony No. 101 ‘The Clock.'" Chelsea Tipton II, resident conductor, leads the symphony.

The artist series presents many well-known and unique artists throughout the season, said Robin Bowlus, director of public relations for the university. Six concerts are scheduled for September through April and season tickets are available for interested musical fans, she said.

"It's really a cross section of musical genres," Bowlus said.

On Nov. 6, the Zagreb Saxophone Quartet takes the stage and will play with guest saxophone soloist Eugene Rousseau, a renowned classical saxophonist, Schattschneider said.

Other performances in the series include the Adaskin String Trio on Oct. 16, the Santa Fe Guitar Quartet on Jan. 15, pianist Alexander Ghindin on March 12 and the Quelque Chose ensemble on March 26. For details, visit www.bluffton.edu/arts/series.

Artists for the series are chosen by a planning committee composed of university faculty, community members and students who study hundreds of press kits each year, Schattschneider said. The series has been entertaining local audiences "in some shape or form since the institution was founded," he said, making it one of the longest-running artist series in the state.

Individual event prices are $24 for adults, $18 for senior citizens and students, $14 for Bluffton faculty and staff and free for Bluffton students. Season ticket prices start at $75.

The Toledo Symphony Orchestra is celebrating more than 65 seasons of performances beginning in 1943 and now performs more than 400 concerts each season. Limited seating is available for Thursday's performance. Call the box office at 419-358-3239 or email boxoffice@bluffton.edu for tickets.

WHAT: Bluffton University Artist Series

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Thursday

WHERE: Bluffton University Yoder Recital Hall

COST: $24 for adults; $18 for senior citizens and students; $14 for Bluffton faculty and staff; free for Bluffton students

Upcoming concerts in the series

Oct. 16: Adaskin String Trio

Nov. 6: Zagreb Saxophone Quartet with guest saxophonist Eugene Rousseau

Jan. 15: Santa Fe Guitar Quartet

March 12: Alexander Ghindin, piano

March 26: Quelque Chose ensemble

For details, visit www.bluffton.edu/arts/series.