MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the Master Players Concert Series’ ninth season, which runs from Friday, September 21, 2012, through Saturday, April 21, 2013.  The 2012/2013 season features performances by acclaimed artists and ensembles who help MPCS to entertain and challenge your senses with the most beautiful sounds on our planet.

In the late morning of May 5, I was sitting on my deck thinking about this season’s concerts, and a question came to my mind:  What makes a concert series successful? And my firm answer was quality; any product with high quality will reach out to the general public without having to try very hard.

In presenting live music, I think quality means

• the ability to showcase highly skilled and soulful performers who selflessly sing their hearts out to the audience with or without words;

• a unique program for each concert, with proper concert-related activities that provide educational satisfaction to those who are lucky to enjoy life-long learning;

• a platform for artists to create original and organic musical moments that transport audiences to the far end of human possibilities;

• select repertoire and events that can be enjoyed by all audience types to be “family friendly” all year long.

With quality in mind, I have planned a rich season featuring both new and returning artists performing cherished favorites. And, for the first time in MPCS history, we have commissioned world premier compositions written especially for our concert goers.  I promise you this much:  These quality music sensations will move you regardless of your musical background, and these live concert experiences will make you feel fortunate for being in the Newark and greater Wilmington area.

The MPCS guest artists hail from all over of the world, and I look forward to seeing you joined by your family and friends at the down beat of each concert this season and communicating with you in our shared language of music.

                                Musically Yours,

Xiang Gao

                                             Producing Artistic Director

                                             Trustees Distinguished Professor of Music

MESSAGE FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent. - Victor Hugo

Welcome to the ninth season of the University of Delaware’s Master Players Concert Series. Once again, MPCS Artistic Director Xiang Gao has put together a schedule of performances that will deeply affect and impress all lovers of music. UD faculty and renowned guest artists take the stage this year for concerts featuring beloved masterpieces, original compositions, interactive artist/audience collaborations and, as always, the virtuoso talent that makes MPCS such an incredible asset to this community.

With eight thrilling seasons of MPCS behind us, one could easily take for granted the fact that the world’s best music is routinely made in UD’s recital halls. But, of course, that would be a mistake. Every day, I cherish the remarkable access we have to music’s most notable artists—lured, without question, by the opportunity to work with Xiang—and the show-stopping performances they deliver.

No day do I cherish our musical riches more than when I see the MPCS season line-up and I know that, once again, Newark, Delaware, will be home to something special. This concert series does more than delight its audience. It strengthens our community of ideas, of creativity, of collaboration, imagination and innovation. I hope you’ll be a part of it.

On behalf of the entire University of Delaware—and, most especially, Xiang Gao and the University’s acclaimed music faculty; this season’s featured musicians, composers, concertmasters and artists; and all those responsible for producing such a wonderful series—I invite you to join me for a musical experience like no other.

Sincerely,

Patrick T. Harker

President

This series is under the management of the Department of Music and is

co-sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Music.

A special thank you to the Office of the President for their continued support.

UD Department of Music  •  Amy E. DuPont Music Building  •  Newark, DE 19716  •  USA

Phone: 302.831.2850  Fax: 302.831.3589 Email: TLL@UDEL.EDU Box office 302.831.2204