
The Concerts for Conservation series will be performed in the University of Akron’s 1871 Victorian Mansion.
The University of Akron, Friends of Hower House Museum and the School of Music are collaborating for the first time to offer a four themed concert series. Proceeds from the concerts will be used for the conservation of two Hower House Museum Victorian era textiles from the permanent collection.
One textile is a Chinese tapestry c. 1910, and the other is a set of four Chinese silk draperies that hang in the historic dining room.
This special series features the musical talents of both UA faculty and students and will be performed at UA’s stunning 1871 Victorian Mansion. The musicians will perform in the central hall or music room with guests seated in the historic parlors lavishly decorated in the High Victorian style, with seasonal exhibits focusing on the Victorian Era. Each themed concert will spotlight Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day or Spring, with light refreshments to follow.
Hower House Museum and Carriage House is located at 60 Fir Hill.
The concerts are:
Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m.;
Thursday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m.;
Thursday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m.; and
Thursday, April 21, at 7 p.m.
Tickets are; $15 for adults, or $50 for the Series (4); and $5 for students, or $25 for the series with valid student ID. For tickets and reservations, call (330) 972-6909 or email [email protected].
Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m.
The first concert in the series will be Bassoon-a-Roo. The University of Akron Bassoon Ensemble is a group of graduate and undergraduate musicians directed by Music Instructor Cynthia Cioffari. The ensemble will be dressed in costume and will perform varying styles of music, from pop to classical. The audience is encouraged to dress in costume as well. Guests are invited to view the Victorian Mourning exhibit installed throughout the mansion.
Thursday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m.
The University of Akron Guitar Ensemble typically performs music from the Renaissance, Baroque, Romantic and Contemporary eras, but Holiday classics will be the theme for the ensemble’s performance at Hower House Museum. The ensemble is comprised of graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in The University of Akron Guitar Program and directed by the nationally recognized classical guitarist and composer James Marron. Guests are encouraged to tour the 1871 Historic House Museum, which will be decorated in the “Colors of Christmas.”
Thursday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m.
A special Valentine’s Day Concert would be a nice “date night” with your special someone. This concert features jazz pianist, Steinway Artist, Composer and Songwriter Joe Augustine in concert. Augustine is a master at creating meticulous, distinctive arrangements so that his listeners hear the music in exciting new ways. He plays locally with a trio, but will perform solo for this concert. His performance will include music from the Great American Songbook and original compositions, presented in his unique jazzy signature style. Guests are encouraged to view the vintage Victorian Valentines on display throughout the mansion.
Thursday, April 21, at 7 p.m.
The last concert in the series is performed by The University of Akron Graduate Brass Quintet, under the direction of the Vincent Bach Performing Artist, Mark Dulin. This is a real opportunity to meet nationally recognized performer and educator Mark Dulin and to hear a dynamic program by his students. The concert will feature music from the quintet’s classical and popular repertoire. Guests will have the opportunity to view contemporary art on display from The University of Akron, Myers School of Art.