The Lee University School of Music will present the Faculty Gala featuring vocal and instrumental faculty on Monday, at 7:30 p.m. in Pangle Hall.
“Music is central to Lee University, and our School of Music faculty go to great efforts to ensure it remains a cornerstone of life at Lee,” said Dr.
William Green, dean of the School of Music at Lee. “They are excellent teachers who prepare our students well, but they are also fine musicians in their own right. Our Faculty Gala gives them the opportunity to demonstrate their artistry, and we get the chance to show off talented artists who call our university home.”
The evening will feature a variety of music and collaborations between faculty. Pieces such as John Williams’ “With Malice Toward None” from the Academy Award winning film “Lincoln,” “September Song” from Weill’s “Knickerbocker Holiday,” “Summertime” from “Porgy andBess,” Handel’s Sonata No. 3, and Bach/Gounod’s arrangement of “Ave Maria,” among many others, both classical and modern, will be performed.
Vocal performances will be presented by Chery Brendel, soprano; Ron Brendel, tenor; Lenena Brezna, soprano; Tony Deaton, baritone; Andrea Dismukes, soprano; and James Frost, tenor.
Instrumental performances will feature Steve Benne, double bass; Joong Han (Jonathan) Jung, piano; Theodore Kartal, cello; ChoEun Lee, piano; Kristiana McCombs, cello; Shawn Perkinson, electric guitar; José Valentino Ruiz, bass and flute; Cahill Smith, piano; Phillip Thomas, harpsichord; Nathan Warner, trumpet; Mary Beth Wickes, piano; Stephen Wilbur, piano; and Alan Wyatt, soprano saxophone.
School of Music faculty hold advanced degrees from renowned universities around the world, include principals in the Chattanooga and Knoxville Symphonies, and soloists who have performed with ensembles and in prestigious halls across the United States and internationally.
Dr. Lenena Brezna, a member of the vocal department, organized the concert. Brezna has performed with numerous operas and symphonies including Amici Opera, Natchez Opera, Pensacola Opera, and Corinth Symphony. She has studied at University of Memphis, Louisiana State University, and University of Mississippi.
This event is free, non-ticketed, and open to the public. Pangle Hall is located at 340 Church Street in Cleveland, Tennessee.
For more information about the gala, contact Director of Music Events Sarah Marczynski atsmarczynski@leeuniversity.edu.