Gustavus Adolphus College

Ladysmith Black Mambazo in Concert

Friday, September 28, 2007

8 p.m. (doors open at 7:15 p.m.)

Christ Chapel

Twenty years ago, Joseph Shabalala and his Ladysmith Black Mambazo introduced an international public to South African vocal music, thanks to their collaboration with Paul Simon on his album "Graceland." The ensemble has performed at two Nobel Peace Prize Ceremonies, a performance for Pope John Paul II, South African Presidential inaugurations, the 1996 Summer Olympics, and many musical award shows from around the world. Now, with over forty recordings, six million sales worldwide and concerts across the globe, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has become the musical voice of traditional culture in South Africa, perhaps for all of Africa. Join us for a spectacular evening with the Grammy-award winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

A portion of each ticket sold for the Ladysmith Black Mambazo concert will be donated to the Steenkamp Primary School Project in Windhoek, Namibia. This project, envisioned by Gustavus faculty working in the area in 2006, funds the educational and living needs of students in one of poorest neighborhoods in Windhoek.

The Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra (YouTube Preview)

Pavel Prantl, Artistic Director/Concertmaster

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

8 p.m. (doors open at 7:15 p.m.)

Jussi Björling Recital Hall

In 1977, Artistic Director Pavel Prantl brought together the finest players from two of Europe’s most renowned ensembles, The Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and The Prague Radio Symphony, to found the Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra. Since its founding, the ensemble has performed around the world, recorded and won the coveted “Grand Prix du Disque,” and earned acclaim from critics and its audiences. Switzerland’s Lucern Tagblatt wrote the Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra’s performance “exhausts one’s supply of superlatives.” Japan Times praised the ensemble as “beautifully expressive but also beautifully balanced.” The CPCO’s 30th Anniversary Concert Tour includes solo performances by oboist Jana Brozkova and the young Czech violin virtuoso Barbora Kolarova and brings the Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra to southern Minnesota for the first time.

Annual Special Performance

Michael Johnson in Concert

Friday, December 14, 2007

8 p.m.

Jussi Björling Recital Hall

From the days of Denver, Boise and Johnson, Michael Johnson has appeared (almost) annually on the Gustavus campus. Singer, guitarist, songwriter and storyteller, Michael has written and recorded such hits as Bluer Than Blue, Give Me Wings, That’s That, and performed with a depth and heart that comes only from years of dedication to the art of music. Billboard Magazine calls him a “dazzling guitarist and a wonderfully expressive singer.” Amy Kurland of Nashville’s Bluebird Café writes that Michael is “one of the greatest and most sensitive guitar players I know. His singing is warm and captivating and his songs are the best.” After 40 years of performances on the Gustavus campus, we simply call him our friend. Don’t miss this evening with Michael Johnson in concert.