In just four years, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s “Musica Viva!” has made a name for itself, becoming thee ‘no-concert-like-it’ event in the region’s spring musical lineup.
This April 12’s “exquisite evening of contemporary and historic musical entertainment” performed by “talented faculty, students and alumni of UW Oshkosh’s music department” takes it up another notch.
The fundraiser for UW Oshkosh student music scholarships will again feature an array of diverse music from the last few centuries, packed into an incredible two-hours of music in the University’s Music Hall.
“We have a piece by a student composer performed by a group of students; we have the steel band performing and there will be a selection from ‘On the Town’ – so, some musical theatre, too,” said UW Oshkosh Music Department Professor Linda Pereksta, one of Musica Viva’s coordinators and featured performers.
And, there’s Brahms. … And jazz. … And the University’s early music ensemble will, this year, break out the Renaissance music and period instruments.
Pereksta said also new this year is a special allotment of tickets for prospective UW Oshkosh students from area and regional high schools who were nominated by faculty.
“An anonymous donor, previously impressed with past events, has stepped up to also offer free admission to a select group of high school students with parents,” she said.
Those students will enjoy a peek at the diverse genres the University weaves into its educational offerings for college students. The concert is always built upon “a broad range of instrumental, vocal, solo and ensemble compositions.”
Pre-performance hors d’oeuvres and afterglow desserts and drinks are part of the occasion, but this year organizers are also offering a performance-only ticket, too, Pereksta said.
The evening begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 12 with the opening reception featuring food, wines and other beverages selected by Professor Emeritus Jim Grine. The 9 p.m. afterglow reception with desserts and live music coincides with the closing of the evening’s silent auction – an array of items and special packages donated by area businesses.
Editor’s note: An original version of this UW Oshkosh Today story appeared in the April edition of Oshkosh Scene magazine.
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