Classical music once again meets rock music when Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s String Ensemble, directed by Kaleigh Accord, collaborates with the local rock band, Somebody to Love, for a concert entitled, “Classic Meets Rock 2.” Special guests will be the University Chorus directed by Joseph Stuligross. Also performing will be IUP students Aleksander Maschmidt and Braxton Beaulieu as well as Indiana's own Chuck Olson, from The Six.
Tickets are now on sale online or by calling 724-357-2787. Any remaining tickets will be on sale at the door one hour prior to show time on March 4. InFirst Bank is the presenting sponsor for this concert, and the Reschini Group is sponsoring the tickets for IUP students. IUP students receive a free ticket the night of the show with their I-Card.
Music from the Rolling Stones, Moody Blues, Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, Elton John and many more will be featured in the concert, which will take place on Tuesday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m. in Fisher Auditorium on the campus of IUP.
The first Classic Meets Rock concert last year was a unique and successful university community partnership leading Music Department Chairperson, Matt Baumer, to arrange another collaboration this year. “To give different ensembles the exposure and experience, this performance with Somebody to Love will feature the String Ensemble, under the direction of Kaleigh Acord, with special guests the University Chorus directed by Joe Stuligross.” Chairperson Baumer continued, “Last year, our students and the community had such a fun night that we wanted to do an encore!”
Kaleigh Acord added, “Using stringed instruments to play popular music may seem like a new idea, but it's part of an old tradition. ‘Classical’ musicians have always been influenced by whatever music got people singing or dancing. Tchaikovsky was inspired by folk music, and there are living ‘classical’ composers who claim popular music as their primary influence. Musicians listen, and we imitate—who cares what style?! It's all the same skill. The students and I are having a blast learning new ways of playing through these well-loved tunes!”
Somebody to Love is a deep-rooted local band from Indiana that has been playing classic rock music for over 12 years. The band members are Chuck Potthast, Lynne Jones, Wally Stapleton (M’87), Ryan Long (’02, M’09), and Bill Menk (‘84).
This concert is produced by the IUP’s Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance. The Lively Arts, a program of the College of Arts, Humanities, Media, and Public Affairs presents nearly 200 performances, programs, and exhibits annually.