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Classiclectic Connection: Strings on the Bay

Bay College

The next Strings on the Bay concert as part of this annual chamber music series at Bay College will take place Tuesday, July 16th at 7:30 PM EST in Bay College’s Besse Theater.

Showcasing pieces from the era of World War II on piano that “helped win the war,” the program is entitled the “Victory Vertical Project.” Presented by Eastern Michigan University piano professor Garik Pedersen, attendees will be treated to what one patron in 2017 called “an incredible and inspiring combination of history and music and awe-inspiring beauty of music!”

The Victory Vertical Project uses descriptive vignettes accompanied by piano music in many styles--classical, popular, boogie-woogie, jazz, and movie soundtracks--to bring to life a remarkable account of courage, solidarity, and the power of music. Garik Pedersen, a Steinway Artist, performs music by Samuel Barber, Richard Addinsell, Roy Harris, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, David Raskin, Harry Warren, Ross Lee Finney, Frederic Chopin, Serge Rachmaninoff, Glenn Miller, and many others to provide fascinating, beautiful, and moving glimpses into the war that, more than any other, united us as a people with a common purpose. In a performance-presentation geared for musicians, veterans, historians, and a wide general audience of all ages, The Victory Vertical Project celebrates the power of music to lift morale, bring people together, provide physical and mental healing, and instill a profound sense of purpose.

Pedersen has performed as soloist and chamber musician throughout the United States and in Europe, Canada, Central America, Taiwan and the Philippine Islands.  He has presented programs for the U.S. State Department, the National Federation of Music Clubs, Music Teachers National Association, the European Piano Teachers Association, Canadian Federation of Music Teachers Associations, the Royal Conservatory of Music, and on numerous public television and radio broadcasts. Currently a professor of piano at Eastern Michigan University, Dr. Pedersen has taught undergraduate and graduate students from many U.S. states and 17 other countries, producing prize winners in national and international—as well as numerous regional and state--competitions.

Representatives from UP Honor Flight will be on hand to answer questions about their important work on behalf of veterans during a reception with light refreshments concluding the evening. The last program of the series will be held on Tuesday, August 6th. Tickets may be purchased at www.baycollege.tix.com, by calling (906) 217-4045, or at the box office located in the Besse Center

Kurt lives in Marquette with his family and can’t imagine living anywhere else. He loves music, games, running, being near water, and a fine cold brew coffee.
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