K-State's McCain Performance Series presents Grammy-nominated Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and 'The Barber of Seville'

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Source: Thom Jackson, 785-532-6425, tjackson@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Sara Shellenberger, 785-532-6415, media@k-state.edu

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

K-STATE'S McCAIN PERFORMANCE SERIES PRESENTS GRAMMY-NOMINATED VANGUARD JAZZ ORCHESTRA AND 'THE BARBER OF SEVILLE'

MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University's McCain Performance Series will present the Grammy-nominated Vanguard Jazz Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, and "The Barber of Seville" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, both in McCain Auditorium.

The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra began as the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra in 1966 and has performed continuously ever since. The ensemble promotes the original Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra precepts of sound.

The group's new album, "Up From the Skies," was nominated for two Grammys.

Al Cochran, K-State assistant provost and professor of music, will give a pre-performance lecture at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 3 in 204 McCain.

The McCain Performance Series also will present "The Barber of Seville," with orchestra. This prequel to Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" follows the tales and follies of Figaro, the most famous barber in all of opera, as he attempts to take two would-be lovers under his wing. This comedic opera combines unrequited love, mistaken identities and a plot that turns and twists -- all wrapped up in Rossini's timeless music.

Jean Sloop, K-State music professor, will give a pre-performance lecture at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 9 in 204 McCain.

Tickets can be purchased at http://www.k-state.edu/mccain/ or by calling the McCain box office at 785-532-6428 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.

Both presentations are sponsored by the Kansas Arts Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts and the K-State fine arts fee, and are also supported by the Friends of McCain. "The Barber of Seville" received additional support from Mid-America Arts Alliance and the National Endowment for the Arts.