AURA, the Moores School's Contemporary Music Ensemble

2008 Concert Season

AURA, the Moores School's Contemporary Music Ensemble, is dedicated to the performance of contemporary chamber music, with an emphasis on works that represent the latest trends and styles of the last two decades. A wide variety of American and international composers are represented by this innovative and professional caliber ensemble, many of whom, such as Richard Rodney Bennett, Daniel Godfrey, and Stephen Montague, have come to campus for the performance of their music. The ensemble is also dedicated to collaboration with dance, and has presented many concerts with the UH Dance Department and the Sandra Organ Dance Company.

2008 Concert Season

"Visions & Rituals"
Monday February 25, 2008
7:30pm, Moores Opera House

Featuring: Evan Leslie, cello Valerie Vidal, alto saxophone Scott Holshouser, piano

Visual Abstract – Pierre Jalbert
chamber ensemble

The Penny Arcade – Brad Sayles
chamber ensemble
AURA commission & world premiere

Requiem – Peter Sculthorpe
Evan Leslie, cello

Chant – Augusta Read-Thomas
Valerie Vidal, alto saxophone Scott Holshouser, piano

Binyang – Ross Edwards
Amy Glover, clarinet Luke Hubley, percussion

Studie II & Etude – Karlhienz Stockhausen
electronic tape

"MovingPictures"
Friday April 11, 2008
7:30pm, Moores Opera House

In collaboration with the UH Dance Department & Travesty Dance Group
Choreography by: Teresa Chapman Jacqueline Nalett Karen Stokes Toni Valle Jennifer Wood

Rapid Assembly – Bill Ryan
chamber ensemble

Trio with Percussion – Kenji Bunch
Songeun Jeong, violin Ilan MacAdam-Somer, cello Jessica Graybill, piano Luke Hubley, percussion J.D. Guzman, percussion

Sweet Air – David Lang
chamber ensemble

Djille, Tailitnama Song, Parting, & Into the Dreaming – Peter Sculthorpe
Evan Leslie, cello Jessica Graybill, piano

Fantasies – Ken Booker
chamber ensemble
AURA commission & world premiere

Binyang – Ross Edwards
Amy Glover, clarinet Luke Hubley, percussion

Morse Code Pop – Rob Smith
Robert Aguirre, alto saxophone Jason Smith, baritone saxophone

Beckoning – Donald Grantham
Blake Wilkins, percussion

"Horn Concerto"
Sunday April 13, 2008
1:00pm, Discovery Green

AURA and The Art Guys will perform Stephen Montague's infamous work for klaxon horn soloists and an orchestra of automobiles - yes cars!
This event is not to be missed!

Student Information

Grants are available for the following instruments:
Flute, Clarinet, Violin, Cello, Piano (2), Percussion, Viola or Violin 2 (depending on repertoire)

Rehearsal times: MWF, 4:00-6:00pm

Ensemble members must keep their schedule open throughout the semester for these rehearsal times, but they will only be expected to attend when works that they are performing on are being rehearsed. A rehearsal schedule is given out for each concert so that performers may effectively use the times they are not rehearsing.

Participation in AURA is by audition only - please contact the director to arrange for an audition. In most cases your audition will be the same as your orchestra or wind ensemble audition.

Contact

Dr. Rob Smith, director
robsmith@uh.edu
MSM 327
(713)743-3163

Moores School of Music web design and maintenance:
Timothy Koozin and Andrew Davis
Last updated 5 February, 2008
http://www.music.uh.edu