Department of Music returns to live concerts with two performances in mid-September

The Department of Music returns to an in-person concert schedule this semester, with live performances by the Slee Sinfonietta and faculty member Michael Serio scheduled for September.

The season opens on Sept. 14 with a concert of 20th- and 21st-century music performed by the Slee Sinfonietta, UB’s professional chamber orchestra in residence, under the baton of Christian Baldini. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Lippes Concert Hall in Slee Hall, North Campus.

The program:

Charles Wuorinen: Zoe for string sextet

David Felder: For CW for chamber orchestra

Christian Baldini: Grises osobres lágrimas for small string orchestra

Salvatore Sciarrino: Introduzione all'oscuro for 12 players

Edgar Varése: Octandre for 8 players

The Slee Sinfonietta is the flagship ensemble of the Robert and Carol Morris Center for 21st Century Music at UB. Founded in 1997 by composer and SUNY Distinguished Professor of Music David Felder, the group is comprised of a core group, including UB faculty performance artists, visiting artists, national and regional professionals, and advanced performance students, and is conducted by leading conductors and composers. The ensemble has produced world-class performances of important repertoire for nearly two decades, and its activities include touring, professionally produced recordings, and unique concert experiences for listeners of all levels of experience.

On Sept. 17, a recital by pianist and UB adjunct instructor Michael Serio, with special guest James Kosnik, is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Lippes Concert Hall.

The program:

Bruhns: Praeludium in G (solo organ)

Chopin: Impromptu #2, Op. 36 9 (solo piano)

Rachmaninoff: Suite #1 Op. 6 - III Les Larmes (two pianos)

Ravel: Tombeau de Couperin (solo piano)

Kosnik: In Memoriam for Katie (solo organ)

Granados: The Maiden and Nightingale (solo piano)

Copland: Billy the Kid Suite (two pianos)

Serio, a Buffalo native, studied both music and computer science as an undergraduate before launching a successful career in software development. He returned to school to pursue an MM performance degree in piano at UB under UB associate professor Eric Huebner in 2019.  He now performs regularly as a soloist and as a collaborative pianist throughout Western New York.

Organist and pianist Kosnik, Serio’s close friend and mentor, has been on the faculty of Old Dominion University since 1982. Prior to that appointment, he served as chair of the music department at Villa Maria College and as director of music at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, both in Buffalo. Kosnik is featured frequently as a recitalist at National Association of Pastoral Musicians conventions.

Tickets for both recitals are available through a variety of outlets at the following pricing structure:

UB faculty, staff, alumni, seniors and non-UB students

$10 plus $2.18 fee and minimal credit card charge at eventbrite, up to 90 minutes prior to concert time.

$14 in person at the Center for the Arts (noon to 6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday).

$17 in person at the door (one hour before concert time).

General public

$15 plus $2.18 fee and minimal credit card charge at eventbrite (up to 90 minutes prior to concert time).

$19 in person at the Center for the Arts (noon to 6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday).

$22 in person at the door (one hour before concert time).

UB students are admitted free with ID.

All concertgoers must wear masks, regardless of vaccination status. Visitors to campus also must complete the Daily Health Check.

For a complete listing of all concerts being presented by the Department of Music, visit the department’s website.