Jan. 30, 2011: 'Clarinets in Concert'

Sunday, Jan. 30, 4 p.m.
UAA Fine Arts Building, Recital Hall

The UAA Department of Music presents "Clarinets in Concert." This program will feature the Seawolf Clarinet Ensemble, UAA Clarinet Ensemble Trio and Basset Horn Trio.

Dr. Mark Wolbers, professor of clarinet, launched a select high school ensemble, the Seawolf Clarinet Ensemble, earlier this year. They will be performing three movements from Mozart's "Divertimento No. 3."

Both University groups explore the use of the basset horn, an extended clarinet favored by Mozart. The Clarinet Ensemble Trio will feature contemporary music for two  B-flat clarinets and basset horn by Otmar Mayer and Peter Paulitsch.

The UAA Basset Horn Trio will feature music composed for three basset horn clarinets. They will perform selections from Mozart's Opera "La Clemenza di Tito." No one is sure, but it seems likely that this music was arranged by Mozart for use as house, or "pre-show" music. In any case, it is a virtuosic showcase for the instruments.

The clarinet ensembles at UAA, under the direction of Wolbers, have garnered numerous awards. They have been the recipient of two undergraduate research grants, selected twice as Student Showcase winners and have been frequent winners for spots in the annual Symphony of Sounds concerts, including the concerts this year on Feb. 18 and 20. In the seven-year history of the clarinet ensemble, the groups have presented over 100 concerts and school presentations.

All seats are general admission. Tickets are $18 general, $15 students, seniors and military. Tickets are available through CenterTix.net and the UAA Fine Arts Building Box Office at (907) 786-4849.

For more information, please contact Mark Wolbers at (907) 786-1508 or afmew@uaa.alaska.edu.