Lee University’s Chamber Strings
Lee University’s Chamber Strings and Handbell ensemble will perform a joint spring concert, “Adored, Pampered, and Idolized Favorites,” with a French twist on Monday at 7:30 p.m. The performance will take place in Pangle Hall and will also be livestreamed for virtual attendance.
“The concert will be like spring air, refreshing your mind and giving you musical nurturance,” said Xiaoqing Yu, Chamber Strings director. “The Chamber Strings will play music you know and love, from Disney, Polka, and Waltz, triumphant and melancholic music, to movie soundtracks and music you’ve known since your first birthday.”
The Chamber Strings’ program will include songs such as “The Magical World of Pixar,” “Pizzicato Polka,” “Cachucha-Gollopp, Op. 97,” and a piece with “some Tennessee flavor.”
Following Chamber Strings’ first set, the Handbell Choir will present various songs in the styles of classic rock, Broadway, Hollywood, and classical.
“Be ready to have your preconceptions of what constitutes a handbell performance completely shattered…or at least twisted a bit,” said Laud Vaught, director of Handbell Choir. “We are thrilled to perform with Chamber Strings and have taken full advantage of the opportunity to do things a little differently.”
Both ensembles will perform together for a concluding piece with some “surprise elements.”
Chamber Strings is a dynamic ensemble comprising the university’s finest violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists providing innovative programming for venues on and off campus.
“This concert is a special one,” said Mr. Yu. “Chamber Strings and the Handbell Choir make a lovely combination and are sure to provide a wonderful evening of entertainment.”
Mr. Yu joined Lee in 2004 and currently serves as associate professor of music teaching violin and chamber music. He has performed with world-renowned performers such as Emmanuel Ax, Itzhak Perlman, Isaac Stern, and Maxim Vengerov. He previously served as principal second violinist of the American Chamber Orchestra, performing throughout Europe.
Mr. Yu served 24 years as concertmaster of the Greenville Symphony and 23 seasons with Glimmerglass Opera Orchestra. After resigning from both orchestras in 2017, Mr. Yu joined The Lee Trio, a faculty piano trio.
In addition to directing the Handbell Choir, Mr. Vaught serves as coordinator of the Music Resource Center and teaches in Lee’s School of Music. He also directs the Lee Summer Music Camp. Vaught has been in music ministry since 1984 in Atlanta, Charlotte, Cleveland, and Las Vegas. He earned his master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in music education from University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Lee College, respectively.
Masks and temperature screenings will be required for all concert attendees, according to CDC guidelines.
The concert is free, but due to COVID-19 capacity regulations, seating is limited, and tickets are required. Tickets can be obtained at showclix.com/event/chamber-strings-concert-with-lee-u-handbells-.
The concert will be available via livestream at livestream.com/leeu.
For more information about the event, contact the School of Music at 614-8240.