Megan Fergusson Yanik brings the soulful voice of the viola to Virginia Tech to open the 2012-2013 University Chamber Music series. She will perform with Virginia Tech faculty members Tracy Cowden, piano, Ariana Wyatt, soprano, and Elizabeth Crone, flute, in a program of musical works highlighting the artistry of each member of the ensemble on Sunday, Sept. 2 at 3 p.m. in the Squires Student Center Recital Salon.
The theme of the program will be “vocem viola,” meaning “voice of the viola.” The viola is often compared to the human voice in terms of its expressive capabilities and range, and the repertoire was chosen to highlight this quality. From Britten’s “Lachrymae: Reflections on a Song of Dowland” to Bolcom’s poignant cantata “Let Evening Come” for soprano, viola, and piano, the viola shines through as an instrument capable of profound expression. The ensemble will also present works by Maurice Durufle, Manuel de Falla, and Alan Smith.
Yanik enjoys a multifaceted career as both a performer and teacher. She has performed with orchestras throughout the United States, as a chamber musician, and on numerous occasions with the Michigan Chamber Players.
Her festival appearances have included the Wintergreen Performing Arts Festival, American-Romanian Festival, Tanglewood Music Center, Aspen, Spoleto USA, and Blossom. She has won prizes in several competitions, including first prize in the National American String Teachers Association solo competition.
Formerly on faculty at Bowling Green State University, Yanik is currently on the faculty of the Wintergreen Performing Arts festival and the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop in Washington, D.C.
Tickets are $15 general, $12 senior/faculty/staff, and $5 student and are available at the Student Centers and Activities Ticket Office on the first floor of Squires Student Center. Tickets may be purchased online atwww.tickets.vt.edu or by calling 540-231-5615. Tickets will also be available at the box office beginning one hour prior to the performance.