Tenor Bill Bastian performs "From a Small ‘Blue' Seed: Music Born From the Blues"

Release Date: 10/12/09

William Bastian, tenor and guitar, will present the first concert of the 2009-2010 Cambiata Music Series at The College of St. Scholastica. The concert is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, in the Mitchell Auditorium on campus.

He will present "From a Small ‘Blue' Seed: Music Born From the Blues."
Accompanied by Jeremy Craycraft, percussion, Bastian will explore the progression from the acoustic blues, to electric blues, to rockabilly, to jazz and pop. Bastian and Craycraft are members of the St. Scholastica music faculty.

"Before musical notation, before the written word, even before the spoken word, music existed as a necessity: to help a baby sleep, to win someone's heart, to inspire dancing, to talk with God," writes Bastian, an acclaimed tenor. "All music owes its existence to the human need to be creative and, whether we call it ‘fold' or roots music, it is the continually living, breathing embodiment of the direct line from the hearts of the first beings to our hearts."

Tickets will be available at the door; they are $12 for adults and $6 for students age 18 and younger (or with current college ID). For advance ticket sales, call (218) 723-7000.

The rest of the 2009-2010 Cambiata Series:

Unless otherwise noted, tickets for all concerts are $12 for adults and $6 for students age 18 and younger (or with current college ID).

Buy four tickets for any combination of Cambiata Series concerts and receive a discount of $6 (four adult tickets = $42; four students tickets = $18). Tickets for the entire Cambiata Series will be available at the door on Oct. 17; tickets for all remaining concerts will be available at each subsequent concert. For advance sales and more information call (218) 723-6082 or (800) 447-5444, ext. 6082 or visit www.css.edu/cambiata.xml.

Sunday, Oct. 25
"Voices of Ancient Mediterranean Christians, Jews and Muslims"
The Rose Ensemble

This program spans four centuries of vocal and instrumental music, and includes a diverse collection of dances, poetry and chants that come together in a fascinating exploration of language, culture and faith.

Following the concert, join the acclaimed performers of the Rose Ensemble and Tom Crann, host of Minnesota Public Radio's "All Things Considered," for lively and thoughtful discussion of the cultural and religious worlds brought to life by this music.

Saturday, Nov. 7
"Water and Wind: Handel Sails into London"
Shelley Gruskin and The Center for Early Music Orchestra
Stanley King, oboe; William Bastian, tenor

This program will explore the music of George Frideric Handel. "Two hundred and fifty years after his death, his music is still alive and vital," writes Bastian. "Imagine how Londoners were enchanted and amazed by works as diverse as his ever-popular ‘Water Music,' operas, and concertos."

Thursday, Dec. 17
Handel's "Messiah" Sing-along
FREE ADMISSION

Bring your friends, family and your voice to the 29th annual sing-along of Handel's "Messiah." You provide the singing and the St. Scholastica Center for Early Music Orchestra will provide the accompaniment. St. Scholastica professor emeritus Shelley Gruskin directs this popular holiday event. Bring your score; or buy or borrow one at the door.

Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010
Monteverdi, the Medicis, and Late Renaissance "Jazz"
William Bastian, tenor; Tyler Kaiser and Ed Martin, lutes and guitars

This concert of music was written around 1600 and composed in the popular new style by Claudio Monteverdi and his contemporaries. It marks one of the most important turning points in music history.

Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010
"Wit and Warmth: Music by Haydn and Brahms"
LeAnn House, piano; Penny Schwarze and Laurie Bastian, violins; Ron Kari, viola; Josh Aerie, cello

This concert will open with House playing "Piano Sonata in A-flat major" and "Variations in F minor." The second half of the concert will feature Brahms' piano quintet, one of the greatest masterpieces in the chamber music repertoire.