February 5, 2015
Las Vegas, N.M. – A “Flores and Friends” music faculty concert at Highlands University Feb. 20 features 19th and 20th century music ranging from romantic to avant-garde compositions.
The concert showcases clarinet and saxophone pieces performed by Yasmin Flores, new to the music faculty, as well as pieces with longtime music faculty Andre García-Nuthmann, tenor vocalist, and Linda King, concert pianist.
“This concert will be a terrific opportunity for the Las Vegas community to hear new and exciting music that to my knowledge hasn’t been performed locally,” García-Nuthmann said.
The concert is at 7 p.m. in the Kennedy Alumni Hall, 905 University Ave.
Flores said the concert is an international smorgasbord of superb pieces with contrasting styles.
“Collectively, the music of Luigi Bassi, Catherine McMichael, Paul Creston, and Darius Milhaud is strikingly gorgeous and imbedded in romanticism,” Flores said. “Serban Nichifor’s piece is avant-garde and raucous with a driving force while Libby Larsen’s innovative rhythmic language is heavily influenced by rock.”
Ticket prices are $10. The concert is a fundraiser to purchase new and used instruments for music education students. The university’s foundation is also accepting used instruments for the initiative. Call 505-454-3248.
“The goal is to create a more diverse collection of instruments so our future music teachers are prepared to instruct their students on a wide range of instruments,” Flores said.
Flores, who has performed as principal clarinetist for musical ensembles such as the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra, and Shoals Symphony at the University of Northern Alabama, said she is grateful to be performing with García-Nuthmann and King.
“I aspire to perform with the same amount of passion and musical virtuosity that Andre and Linda possess. They are exceptionally talented and accomplished colleagues,” Flores said.
The musical program includes:
Fantasia on themes from G. Verdi’s “Rigoletto” for B-flat Clarinet and Piano, with Flores on clarinet and King on piano. (Italian composer Luigi Bassi, 1833-1871).
Carnyx for Solo Clarinet, with Flores on clarinet. (Serban Nichifor, Romanian composer, born 1954).
Scores of Love for Tenor Voice, Alto Saxophone, and Piano, Love at 20: Love is Not All and Love at 60: Send Her a Valentine, with García-Nuthmann at tenor vocals, Flores on clarinet, and King on piano. (American composer Catherine McMichael, born 1954).
Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano, Op. 19, With Vigor, With Tranquility, and With Gaiety, with Flores on alto saxophone and King on piano. (Italian-American composer Paul Creston, 1906-1985).
Corker for Clarinet and Percussion, with Ralph Marquez on percussion and Flores on clarinet. (American composer Libby Larsen, born 1950).
Suite for Violin, Clarinet, and Piano, Op. 157b, Ouverture, Divertissement, Jeu and Introduction et Final, with Monica Marquez on violin, Flores on clarinet, and King on piano. (French composer Darius Milhaud, 1892-1974).
Before joining the Highlands University faculty fall semester 2014, Flores was a music professor at the University of North Alabama – Florence. She has also worked extensively with high school musicians across the United States.
Flores earned her doctorate of musical arts in clarinet performance and music education from the University of Iowa – Iowa City and a master’s degree in music performance in multiple wind instruments from Florida State University – Tallahassee.
At Highlands, Flores teaches courses such as music theory, aural skills, and introduction to music. She also directs the university’s pep band and mariachi group.
“Yasmin is a very gifted musician with flawless technique and tremendous expression,” García-Nuthmann said. “She’s also a brilliant teacher who has wonderful rapport with the students. Yasmin adds an important facet to our music program that we needed.”
To purchase advance tickets call Flores at 505-426-2176.