Southeastern to host composer Gwyneth Walker
by: Rene Abadie
HAMMOND – Widely performed composer Gwyneth Walker of New Canaan, Conn., will be at Southeastern Louisiana University Friday, March 21, to conduct a masterclass and a workshop for the university's composition students and singers.
A masterclass for solo singers will be conducted from 10:30 a.m. to noon, and a choral workshop will be offered from 1:30 to 3 p.m., where the Southeastern Concert Choir and Women's Chorale will sing selected pieces composed by Walker. Both will be conducted in the Pottle Music Annex Building Choir Room. A question and answer session with composition students and singers will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Pottle Music Annex Recital Hall.
All events free of charge and open to the public.
"It is thrilling to have an internationally known composer visiting us," said Vocal Area Coordinator Alissa Rowe. "Our students will have an opportunity to sing for her and get to work one-on-one with her on their repertoire."
Walker's compositions include over 300 commissioned works for orchestra, chamber ensembles, chorus and solo voice. Her special interest has focused on dramatic works that combine music with readings, acting and movement.
Walker is a graduate of Brown University and the Hartt School of Music where she earned her bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees in music composition. She is a former member of the faculty at the Oberlin College Conservatory.
For more information, contact the Southeastern Department of Fine and Performing Arts at 985-549-2184.
