Peter Wordelman
"Figaro meets Don Quixote" in first of three EOU faculty recitals
By Laura Hancock
Media and Publications Writer
lhancock@eou.edu
La Grande, Oregon – Peter Wordelman, professor of music at Eastern Oregon University, will give the first solo performance of the Faculty Recital Series on Friday, Sept. 30 in McKenzie Theatre at 7:30 p.m.
Accompanied by Matt Cooper, fellow EOU music professor, Wordelman’s vocal performance is based on two well-known characters, Figaro and Don Quixote and is aptly titled, “Figaro meets Don Quixote.” Wordelman will sing arias from three operas: “The Marriage of Figaro,” by Mozart; “The Barber of Seville,” by Rossini; and “The Ghost of Versailles,” by American composer John Corigliano.
Photo/Laura Hancock/University Advancement
Peter Wordelman, right, rehearses with Matt Cooper
in the
Groth Recital Hall. Wordelman will perform a
solo vocal recital on Sept. 30 in McKenzie Theatre.
“The four arias show the development of Figaro’s story from beginning to end,” said Wordelman, “The project is designed to look into two ordinary lives that have been interpreted and reinterpreted from original author, to composer, and finally to performer.”
The second half of the recital includes songs written about the different facets of the literary character, Don Quixote. The first grouping of songs Wordelman will perform are by Maurice Ravel and were among the last compositions of his lifetime.
The second set will include songs by Jacques Ibert and Wordelman’s finalé includes the well-known tune “The Impossible Dream,” from the Broadway musical “Man of La Mancha.”
Wordelman was the recipient of a faculty scholar’s grant, which enabled him to prepare the recital over the summer. Admission is by donation and all proceeds will go to the Choral Endowment Fund. Two more performances are scheduled for the Faculty Recital Series, including a piano solo recital by Matt Cooper on Jan. 13 and a faculty ensemble recital on April 21. For more information contact Wordelman at (541) 962-3352.
Contact Information for Admissions
Eastern Oregon University
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Phone: 541-962-3740
Fax: 541-962-3680
Email: advancement@eou.edu