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April arts events include theater, film, music and more

David Crowe directs Theater Emory's production of Jose Rivera's comic play "Marisol," opening April 2. The play is just one of the many arts events still on tap as the spring semester winds down. Courtesy photo

As the spring semester winds down, Arts at Emory still has an abundance of events ahead. This month includes a large selection of recitals, film screenings and performances on campus.

All events are free and take place in the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts, unless otherwise noted. For tickets and event information, visit arts.emory.edu or call the Arts at Emory Box Office at 404-727-5050.

Starting off the month is a film screening of "Drumline" (2002) on April 1 at 7:30 p.m. in White Hall Room 208. This film is a part of Emory Cinematheque's series "Home Grown: Movies Made in Georgia" and tells the story of a cocky New York City teen who joins a historically black Atlanta college's marching band and finds their standards harder than he'd imagined – and the girl of his dreams elusive.

The following day, "Marisol" by José Rivera opens at 7 p.m. in the Mary Gray Munroe Theater of Dobbs University Center. This highly charged comic play, set in post-apocalyptic New York, proposes a world full of hope and freedom. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $16 for discount category members and $6 for Emory students. Additional performances will be held throughout the month: April 3-4 and 8-11 at 7 p.m; April 5 at 5 p.m.; and April 12 at 2 p.m.

The Tango Ensemble of Emory will perform an Argentine tango music concert on Thursday, April 2, at 8 p.m. in the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts. The ensemble is well versed in the nuances of this South American music and will play rhythmic and stylistic songs of the genre.

Pianists Elena Cholakova and Elizabeth Pridgen take on Stravinsky's masterpiece "The Rites of Spring." This seasonal performance will also include Vivaldi's "Spring," performed by the Vega Spring Quartet. It will be held at the Carlos Museum at noon on Friday, April 3.

On Saturday, April 4, at 8 p.m., Emory University will be joined by Sharon Isbin, guitar and Isabel Leonard, mezzo-soprano. Isbin is the director and founder of the guitar program at the Julliard School and is hailed for her remarkable lyricism and versatility. Leord is a rising opera star and recipient of the prestigious Richard Tucker Award. Together, these artists will bring their unique backgrounds into a collaboration that is not to be missed. Tickets are $40 for general audiences, $32 for discount category members and $5 for Emory students.

On Sunday, April 5, at 7 p.m., the Emory Gamelan Ensembles presents "Hanoman the Messenger, an Indonesian Wayang Shadow Puppet Show." In this show, the Gamelan Ensemble will accompany the puppetry work of Midiyano and follow the story of Hanoman, the monkey general. Tickets are $5 at door.

The Emory Chamber Ensembles will perform on Tuesday, April 7, at 8 p.m. in the Schwartz Center. These groups feature Emory students who display their talents in various collaborations of instruments and styles. The ensembles will also come together the following week on April 14 at 8 p.m. for an additional performance.

On Wednesday, April 8, there will be a film screening of "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" (2005) at 7:30 p.m. in White Hall Room 208, also part of the "Movies Made in Georgia" series. This Tyler Perry movie tells the story of an abandoned wife and her gun-toting Ganny Madea and was shot entirely in Atlanta.

Jazz on the Green will be Thursday, April 9, at 6 p.m. on the Patterson Green. Emory Jazz Combos will perform an evening of fun and relaxing jazz music.

On Friday, April 10, at 7 p.m., the Emory a cappella groups unite for "Barenaked Voices: Twelfth Annual Emory Student A Cappella Celebration." This yearly performance celebrates the talent within each group, including AHANA, Aural Pleasure, ChaiTunes, Dooley Noted, Emory Concert Choir, The Gathering and No Strings Attached. A $5 donation is requested and proceeds will benefit Emory Helpline and Active Minds.

A Musical Auction will be held on Saturday, April 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the Schwartz Center. This special event includes a concert with performances by the Vega String Quartet, pianist William Ransom and organist Timothy Albrecht. There will also be a fundraising action to benefit the Spring Quartet Residency, which features chances to bid on private concerts, conducting opportunities and other items.

On Sunday, April 12, at 4 p.m., Beethoven himself will be in the Carlos Museum, commenting on his life and music during "Beethoven in Blue Jeans." Pianist William Ransom and the Vega String Quartet will join the master and perform a variety of music from Bach to the present.

A film screening of "Get Low" (2009) will be held in White Hall Room 208 at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15. Also part of Emory Cinematheque's series "Movies Made in Georgia," this film tells the story of a notorious and irascible backwoods hermit who decides to throw himself a funeral in this Depression-era "true-life" myth, re-imagined by first-time director Aaron Schneider.

The Emory University Chorus and Emory University Symphony Orchestra will perform Haydn's "Creation" during their annual collaboration. This special performance will be held in the Schwartz Center on Friday, April 17, at 8 p.m. and again on Saturday, April 18, at the same time. This event is part of the yearlong Creation Stories Project, a collaboration between Emory, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Georgia Humanities Council.

On Sunday, April 19, at 4 p.m., The Tallis Scholars will visit Emory for a performance of Renaissance sacred vocal music. This group has been praised for their clarity and tone as well as their astute ability to bring Renaissance music to a wider audience. Tickets are $40 for general admission, $32 for discount category members and $5 for Emory students.

Gary Motley and Joe Chambers, percussion will hold a master class on Tuesday, April 21, at 2:30 p.m. In this special opportunity, these two talented musicians will perform and open audiences up to their master class.

Jazz on the Green will be held again Tuesday, April 21, at 6 p.m. Emory Jazz Combos will perform for the final time this semester on the scenic Patterson Green.

Continuing with the Jazz music is the Spring Jazz Concert on Tuesday, April 21, at 8 p.m. in the Schwartz Center. This concert features Emory students who display their affinity and talent for jazz in various ensembles.

On Wednesday, April 22, "Movies Made in Georgia" concludes with a screening of "Deliverance" (1972) at 7:30 p.m. in White Hall 208. This adaptation of James Dickey's novel shows a controversial collision of the New and Old South through the narrative of Atlanta day-trippers on a hellish canoe ride down a soon-to-be-damned river.

Emory Dance Company will perform in their spring concert on Thursday, April 23, at 8 p.m. in the in Schwartz Center. This performance showcases the original creative work of student choreographers who are emerging in the field of contemporary dance. Additional performances will be held on April 24 & 25 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $8 for discount category members and $6 for Emory students.

On Friday, April 24, at 8 p.m., the Emory Wind Ensemble will perform in their spring concert. This group is composed of Emory students showcasing various classic band selections.

The Emory Concert Choir will round out the month with their performance at 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 26. This select ensemble features Emory students who display their stylistic tones and musicality through a selection of choral works.


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