Bemidji Concert Series to feature three performances this spring

BEMIDJI, Minn. (Jan. 14, 2010) — The Bemidji Concert Series will wrap up its 2009-10 schedule with three spring performances, featuring the vivacious Ahn Trio, virtuoso violinist Midori and the ever-popular Doc Severinsen, formerly of “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.” The Ahn Trio will kick off the 2010 portion of the schedule on Friday, Jan. 29.

The Bemidji Concert Series, now in its eighth season, is presented by Bemidji State University’s Department of Music and attracts world-class musicians for performances as a service to the Bemidji community and the northern Minnesota region. Season ticket packages are available now. Performances will be held at the Bemidji High School Auditorium and the Thompson Recital Hall of Bemidji State’s Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex.

Performance schedule
•    Ahn Trio, 7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 29, 2010, BHS Auditorium; a trend-setting threesome noted for their technical virtuosity as well as their physical beauty and runway sense of fashion. This chamber ensemble comprises Korean-born twin sisters, pianist Lucia and cellist Maria, and younger sister, violinist Angella, who appeal to all ages through their exploration of contemporary classical and popular music composers.

•    Doc Severinsen and El Ritmo De La Vida, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010, BHS Auditorium; Grammy award winning Severinsen had planned to retire in Mexico in 2006 until he met violinist Pedro Cartas and guitarist Gil Gutierrez and found he couldn’t resist another opportunity to perform. The musicians formed El Ritmo de la Vida, “the rhythm of life,” and play a variety of mixed jazz that defies any particular genre. Severinsen, 82, continues to prove his technical proficiency and flare for showmanship.

•    Midori, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 8, 2010, BHS Auditorium; virtuoso violinist Midori Gato, born a child prodigy of Japan, made her debut with the New York Philharmonic in 1982 at the age of 11 and soon became a household name. She has delighted audiences for nearly three decades performing with many of the world’s best orchestras. She is also celebrated as a United Nations Peace Ambassador and founder of several non-profit organizations that bring music education to children around the world.

Ticket information
Tickets may be purchased at the Department of Music office, located in Bemidji State’s Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex, Lueken’s Village North or Tutto Bene. All three will also sell individual event tickets, $20 for the general public and $5 for students, with the exception of the Severinsen concert, which will be $25 for the general public, $30 for reserved seating and $5 for students. Tickets, if available, will be sold at the door prior to each show.

History and sponsorship
The Bemidji Concert Series began eight years ago with the goal of making Bemidji the cultural center for northern Minnesota and providing the Bemidji region with music that could not commonly be heard without traveling to the Twin Cities.

The series is supported by sponsorships from the Bemidji State University Department of Music, Bemidji “Pioneer,” the Villa Calma Bed & Breakfast, Paul Bunyan Telephone and the BSU Student Activity Allocation Committee.

For more information, please call the Department of Music at (218) 755-2915.