The School of the Arts Schedule

Whether in the visual art gallery, the dance theatre, the concert hall, the recital hall, or the flexible theatre, a rich and diverse arts season awaits you.  The Arts Ablaze, available to view in PDF format, contains the schedule for the year and comments from each  of the arts department chairs.  Click on the link below to download, view and print the Arts Ablaze or view the always up-to-date schedule below.

Download the 2009-2010 Arts Ablaze in PDF format.
Any changes made from the original printing of the Arts Ablaze will be highlighted in red font below.

For further details or reservations call the box office at 601-965-7026
Or e-mail boxoffice@Belhaven.edu 

August 29 – September 26
David West Exhibition
Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center, Gallery.
Opening reception is Saturday, August 29, 2:00 – 4:00 pm.
David West combines traditional print techniques with digital media to create a space that exists partly in the analog world, and partly in the digital. By borrowing motifs from architecture, mapmaking, and computer code, this recent work highlights the influence of the digital age on traditional art making practices. A native of Brookhaven, MS, this is David’s homecoming show after completing his MFA in printmaking at Louisiana State University. Complimentary admission.

September 15 – 19
Paper Wings by Gillette Elvgren
A Theatre 151 performance! **
Tuesday – Saturday, 7:30 pm, Theatre 151
Written by one of the most prolific Christian playwrights in America, the award-winning play Paper Wings tells the story of a young couple whose marriage is challenged when Jamie experiences a conversion to Christianity, and begins the process of healing her old wounds, straining her relationship with her unbelieving husband, Stan. Directed by Belhaven senior Moriah Whiteman.
**Theatre 151, located in CFTA classroom 151, is the Theatre Department’s new series of performances for the exploration of challenging topics and the discovery of inspiring and innovative material. General admission $10, Seniors/Students $5. Complimentary admission for Belhaven faculty/staff and immediate families, Belhaven students may queue for available seats. Doors open at 7:00 pm. Opening night reception on September 15 following the performance.

October 3
Community Dance Concert
Saturday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
Members of Belhaven University dance faculty join together with Belhaven alumni and other local dance artists to offer an inspiring and exciting evening of dance. General admission $10, Seniors $5. Complimentary admission for children, Belhaven faculty/staff/students..  Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

October 17
Composition & Improvisation
Saturday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
Dance faculty Krista Bower and Music faculty Dr. Andrew
Sauerwein lead the Composers Forum and Dance Department students in an evening of newly-designed creative collaborations. Audience / artist discussion and interaction occur during the concert. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

October 22 – 24 & 28 – 31
A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen
Wednesday – Friday, 7:30 pm; Saturday Matinees,
2:00 pm, Blackbox Theatre
When a secret from the past threatens to destroy the thin veneer of the marriage between Nora and Torvald, they are forced to face the fact that their relationship is not what they have been pretending. Faculty member Dr. Louis H Campbell directs this stylish production of Ibsen’s groundbreaking 1879 play. General admission $10, Seniors/Students $5. Complimentary admission for Belhaven faculty/staff and immediate families, Belhaven students may queue for available seats. Doors open at 7:00 pm. Opening night reception on October 22 following the performance.

November 7
Orchestra Concert
Saturday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
The Belhaven String Chamber Orchestra conducted by
Mr. Song Xie will present “The Landing” by Belhaven music professor Dr. Andrew Mark Sauerwein and “Sinfonia for String Orchestra” from String Quartet No. 8, Op. 110 by Dmitri Shostakovich. These profound compositions elicit thoughtful reflection. After intermission, the Belhaven University and Jackson Community Symphony Orchestra conducted by Dr. Stephen Sachs will present Peter Tschaikovsky’s powerful masterwork “Symphony No. 4 in F minor.” Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7:00 pm.

November 13, 14, 19, 20, 21
Fall Faculty Dance Concert
Friday – Saturday, 7:30 pm; Thursday Matinee, 11:00 am,
Visual Arts and Dance Center
A showcase of choreography by dance faculty and guest artists, presented by the Belhaven University Dance Ensemble. Styles for the evening include classical and contemporary ballet and traditional and contemporary modern. General admission $10, Seniors/Students $5. Complimentary admission for children, Belhaven faculty/staff/students.  Doors open at 7:00 pm, 10:30 am for Thursday matinee.

November 21 – December 2
Stephen Delatte Exhibition
Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center, Gallery
Opening reception is Saturday, November 21, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Stephen Delatte graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Art Degree from Belhaven in December of 2008. This body of work, comprised of drawings, paintings and sculpture, focuses on the relationship between Stephen’s thirty year career as a pipe draftsman and the unique landscape of his native, southern Louisiana. Complimentary admission.

November 21
A British Cup of Tea
– Fall Vocal Arts Concert
Saturday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
Belhaven Choral Arts ensembles and Vocal Arts soloists under the direction of Belhaven music professor
Dr. Christopher Shelt explore a diverse and entertaining offering of British vocal music from the 16th century to the present.  Planned repertoire includes works by Handel, Britten, Stanford, Mathias, Rutter and a selection of English madrigals. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7:00 pm.

November 24
Best of Belhaven I
Tuesday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
A truly diverse panorama of Belhaven’s finest musical talent, this concert offers the most exemplary student performances of the semester.  A fabulous feast for the ears! Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7:00 pm.

December 1 & 2
4th Annual One Act Play Festival
A project of the Production Supervision and
Directing classes
Tuesday & Wednesday, 7:30 pm, BlackboxTheatre
An evening of short plays and desserts! ** Join us for this showcase of the class work for two of our fall classes, and enjoy desserts during the performance. Please contact the Theatre Box Office for further information regarding the plays to be performed. Doors open at 7:00 pm. Admission is free, no reserved seating.
**Proceeds of dessert sales go to benefit the Iota Upsilon chapter of Alpha Psi Omega, the national theatre
honorary society.

December 2 & 3
DOXA Fall Concert
Wednesday and Thursday, 7:30 pm, Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center
This event highlights emerging young creative artists’ choreography and performance which is produced by members of DOXA, the dance department’s student led organization. General admission $10, Seniors/Students/Children $2. Complimentary admission for children, Belhaven faculty/staff/students. Doors open at 7:00 pm.

December 4 & 5
The 77th Annual Singing Christmas Tree
Friday and Saturday, 7:30 pm, Soccer Bowl
A beloved tradition recognized throughout the South, Belhaven’s Singing Christmas Tree is an outdoor choral performance of Christmas music favorites. Come and enjoy this special celebration. Bring blankets and/or chairs. Adjunct music professor Mrs. Carolyn Sachs is the musical director. Complimentary admission.

January 21 – February 15
Belhaven Faculty Exhibition
Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center, Gallery
Opening reception is Thursday, January 21, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Paintings, drawings, sculpture, and photography by the Belhaven Visual Arts faculty. Complimentary admission. 

January 26
Preston Chamber Music Series
An Evening of Diamonds I
Belhaven Piano Trio and Sachs Piano Duo
Tuesday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
Two musical flavors from two music faculty chamber groups: Dvorak’s “Dumky” Piano Trio and “Slavonic Dances” duets are juxtaposed with the “Carmen Fantasy” by Sarasate for violin and piano, and enchanting Costa Rican piano duets. MSO principal cellist Mr. Bennett Randman joins faculty members Mr. Song Xie, violinist, and Dr. Stephen Sachs, pianist. Carolyn and Stephen Sachs comprise the Sachs Piano Duo.  General Admission $10, Seniors/Students/Children $5. Complimentary admission for Belhaven faculty/staff/students and immediate families. Doors open at 7:00 pm.

February 6
Belhaven University Orchestra
Pops Concert
Saturday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
Be surrounded by sound from highly successful movies as the Belhaven University and Jackson Community Symphony Orchestra performs under the baton of Dr. Stephen Sachs. Experience the excitement of live music that transcends any recording. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7:00 pm.

February 9
Preston Chamber Music Series
An Evening of Diamonds II
Tim Holley, cellist
Tuesday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
Visiting cellist Dr. Tim Holley presents a recital blending contemporary and traditional works with spirituals and sacred music. The program features “A Darkened Glass” for solo cello, composed by Belhaven professor Dr. Andrew Sauerwein.  General Admission $10, Seniors/Students/Children $5. Complimentary admission for Belhaven faculty/staff/students and immediate families. Doors open at 7:00 pm.

February 11
Jackson Public School All-City
Honors Band
Thursday, 7:00 pm, Concert Hall
The Music Department proudly hosts the Jackson Public School’s finest middle school and high school instrumentalists selected to perform in the 2010 JPS All-City Honors Band. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

February 12, 13
Dance Ministry Ensemble
Friday and Saturday, 7:30 pm,
Visual Arts and Dance Center
An evening of dance presentation aimed to bring inspiration and encouragement to the soul. General admission $10, Seniors/Students $5. Complimentary admission for children, Belhaven faculty/staff/students.  Doors open at 7:00 pm

February 18 – 20 & 24 – 27
The Importance of Being Earnest
by Oscar Wilde
Wednesday – Friday, 7:30 pm; Saturday Matinees,
2:00 pm, Blackbox Theatre
In the classic, enjoyable comedy of mistaken identities and the rocky path to love, Jack and Algernon attempt to woo two young ladies, Gwendolyn and Cecily, who both believe they are destined to love a man called Earnest. This production is directed by guest artist John Maxwell, known the world over for Oh Mr. Faulkner, Do You Write? his acclaimed one-man show. General admission $10, Seniors/Students $5. Complimentary admission for Belhaven faculty/staff and immediate families, Belhaven students may queue for available seats. Doors open at 7:00 pm. Opening night reception on February 18 following the performance.

February 20 – March 22
Annual Belhaven Student Exhibition
Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center,
Gallery Opening reception is Saturday, February 20,
2:00 – 4:00 pm
This annual exhibition of student works highlights a wide range of styles and media including drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media. The opening reception will also feature live music by Belhaven’s own jug band, Uncle Mac and the Jackson Jug Revival. This is always one of our most festive and popular openings. Complimentary admission.

March 3, 4, 5, 6
Senior Dance Concerts
Wednesday – Saturday, 7:30 pm, Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center, Studio Theatre
Graduating BFA students proudly present creative original senior projects exhibiting the culmination of their dance studies.  Come experience the passion and maturity evident in these inspiring young performers and choreographers. General admission $10, Seniors/Students $5. Complimentary admission for children, Belhaven faculty/staff/students.  Doors open at 7:00 pm. Reception following.

March 4, 5, 6
Musical Theatre & Dessert
Thursday – Saturday, 7:30 pm,
McCravey – Triplett Student Center, Dining Commons
“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” provides the musical feast which includes a dessert intermission featuring delights from Broad Street Bakery. Belhaven Theatre graduate Malaika Quarterman directs. General admission $10, Seniors/Students/Children $5 includes dessert. Complimentary admission for Belhaven faculty/staff/students and immediate families, dessert $3. Doors open at 7:00 pm.

March 9
Student Composers Concert VII
The Belhaven Composers Forum invites you to an interactive showcase of engaging new works by Belhaven student composers. The program will explore new ways to experience the adventure of music-making as the composers and performers open windows into their creative worlds. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7:00 pm.

April 9, 10, 15, 16, 17
Spring Faculty Dance Concert
Friday – Saturday, 7:30 pm; Thursday Matinee, 11:00 am, Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center
A display of unique choreography by dance faculty and guest artists, presented by the Belhaven University Dance Ensemble.  Styles for the evening include classical and contemporary ballet, modern and cultural dance.  General  admission $10, Seniors/Students $5. Complimentary admission for children, Belhaven faculty/staff/students.  Doors  open at 7:00 pm, 10:30 am for Thursday matinee.

April 9
Belhaven String Chamber
Orchestra Concert
Friday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
The dynamic Belhaven String Chamber Orchestra will present two beautiful Scandinavian string works: “Serenade” Op. 11 by Dag Wiren and “From Holberg’s Time: Suite for String Orchestra” by Edvard Grieg. The program also includes brilliant solo and chamber performances featuring Belhaven University's talented string students. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7:00 pm.

April 10
All State Strings Concert
Saturday, 3:00 pm, Concert Hall
Be inspired by the fourth annual Belhaven University and Mississippi All State Invitational Orchestra. This group is comprised of top string students from the state of Mississippi. You are guaranteed an afternoon of musical excellence. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 2:30 pm.

April 13
Belhaven University and
Jackson Community Symphonic Band,
Jazz Ensemble and Percussion
Ensemble Concert
Tuesday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
Excitement through sound is in store for you as the full range of instrumental timbres, color, and energy flows under the baton of Dr. Paxton Girtmon and the direction of Mr. Paul Heindl. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7:00 pm.

April 15 – 17 & 21 – 24
Murder in the Cathedral by T. S. Eliot
Wednesday – Friday, 7:30 pm; Saturday Matinees, 2pm, Blackbox Theatre
Considered as one of the greatest religious dramas ever written, Murder in the Cathedral tells the story of the martyrdom of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, through the poetry of T.S. Eliot. This innovative production is directed by Theatre Department Chair Joseph Frost. General admission $10, Seniors/Students $5. Complimentary admission for Belhaven faculty/staff and immediate families, Belhaven students may queue for available seats. Doors open at 7:00 pm. Opening night reception on April 15 following the performance.

April 17
Guitar Ensemble Concert
Saturday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
This concert showcases the best student guitar solos and ensembles. From earliest music to the latest experimental jazz, there is something for every taste on this eclectic program. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7:00 pm.

April 20
Best of Belhaven II
Tuesday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
A truly diverse panorama of Belhaven’s finest musical talent, this concert offers the most exemplary student performances of the semester.  A fabulous feast for the ears! Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7:00 pm.

April 23 and 24
DOXA Spring Concert
Friday and Saturday 7:30 pm, Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center
This event highlights emerging young creative artists’ choreography and performance which is produced by
members of DOXA, the dance department’s student led organization. General admission $10, Seniors/Students/Children $2. Complimentary admission for children, Belhaven faculty/staff/students. Doors open at 7:00 pm.

April 24
“Glory to God” – Belhaven University and Jackson Community Symphony Orchestra and Choral Arts Concert
Saturday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
Belhaven vocalists and instrumentalists join forces under the batons of Dr. Christopher Shelt and Dr. Stephen Sachs to present “Te Deum” (“To God”) by Mark Hayes, “Te Deum No. 2 in C major” by F. J. Haydn, and Psalm 29 by Belhaven’s Dr. Andrew Sauerwein.  Individual choir and orchestra ensembles offer additional music in Glory to God. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7:00 pm.