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 contains the schedule for the year and comments from each  of the arts department chairs.  You can also download the ArtsAblaze (PDF).

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 appropriate department sponsoring the events or performance:

Creative Writing rsmith@belhaven.edu 601-968-8996

Dance dance@belhaven.edu 601-965-1400

Music vtate@belhaven.edu 601-974-6494

Theatre boxoffice@belhaven.edu 601-965-7026 Order Tickets Online

Visual Arts visualarts@belhaven.edu 601-974-6478

 

August 27, 2011
THE 24-HOUR THEATRE THING
Saturday, 7:30pm, Blackbox Theatre
From Zero to Ten Minute Play in 24 Hours!  Students gather on Friday and create an original piece of theatre in a single day; from idea to script to rehearsal to performance.  Complimentary admission.  Doors open at 7:00 pm.

September 17, 2011
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/Students $5.   Complimentary Admission for Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students.  Doors open at 7:00 pm.

September 21, 2011
POETRY READING
DARRELL BOURQUE, GUEST WRITER
Wednesday, 6:00-7:30 pm, Barber Auditorium
Darrell Bourque, two-time poet laureate of Louisiana, will visit Belhaven for a master workshop with students and a public reading on September 21, 2011.  Bourque was born in southwest Louisiana and began publishing poems while pursuing his Ph.D. at Florida State in the mid 1970s.  He is the author of six books of poems, including the recent volume In Ordinary Light: New and Selected Poems (2010).  Bourque was named Artist of the Year by the Acadiana Arts Council in 2001. Complimentary Admission.

September 22-24, 26-27, 2011
SISTER CALLING MY NAME BY BUZZ MCLAUGHLIN
Thursday – Saturday, Monday & Tuesday, 7:30 pm, Theatre 151**
The emotionally touching story of Michael, who returns home to handle the affairs of his mentally challenged sister, Lindsay, who is in the care of his high-school sweetheart, Sister Anne; and journeys from the darkness of rejection and pain to a place of reconciliation.  Directed by senior theatre major Dave Harris.
General Admission $10, Seniors/Students/Children $5.  Complimentary admission for Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students and immediate families.  Doors open at 7:00 pm.
**Theatre 151, located in the CFTA classroom 151, is the Theatre Department’s series of performances for the exploration of challenging topics and the discovery of inspiring and innovative material. 

October 19-22, 2011
THE LIFE OF GALILEO BY BERTOLT BRECHT
A HIGHLAND PLAYERS GUILD PRODUCTION FEATURING ALUMNI OF THE BELHAVEN THEATRE DEPARTMENT
Wednesday – Saturday, 7:30 pm, Blackbox Theatre
General Admission $10, Seniors/Students/Children $5.  Complimentary admission for Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students and immediate families.  Doors open at 7:00 pm.

October 20-22, 2011
BELHAVEN MUSICAL THEATRE REVUE
WHAT I SAY GOES:  A MUSICAL REVUE OF MOTHERHOOD
Thursday – Saturday, 7:30 pm, Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center
Don't miss this fall's musical theatre production of What I Say Goes: a musical revue of motherhood. It contains pieces from some of Broadway's best shows, all centering around the theme of mothers. Get ready to laugh, cry, and be entertained as you see some of Belhaven's finest performers showcase mothers in a way you've never seen before! Complimentary admission.  Doors open at 7:00 pm.

October 22, 2011 - CANCELLED
FACULTY RECITAL
SYLVIA HONG, PIANIST
Saturday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
Come hear Belhaven’s newest Music Faculty member in recital.  The repertoire is sure to include music by Franz Liszt and more!  Complimentary admission.  Doors open at 7:00 pm.

October 29, 2011
TUNES, TUTUS AND TURNING WHEELS
Saturday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
An exciting concert highlighting artistic expressions of those with and without disabilities.  This program will feature dancers from various walks of life, gathered together in a mixture of choreographic styles to present an entire evening of dance, music and creative arts.  General Admission $10, Seniors/Students $5.   Complimentary Admission for Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students.  Doors open at 7:00 pm.

November 2-5, 2011
EVERYONE KNOWS WHAT A DRAGON LOOKS LIKE
Wednesday – Saturday, 7:30 pm, with special matinee performances throughout the day on Saturday, Nov. 5, Belhaven Pavilion.
This powerful Chinese fable of the faith of a child comes from the award-winning children’s book written by Jay Williams and illustrated by Mercer Mayer.  This outdoor interactive production will be fun for the whole family.  Adapted by Bret Fetzer from the children’s book by Jay Williams and directed by guest artist C. McNair Wilson.  Complimentary admission. 

November 8, 2011
PRESTON CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES
AN EVENING OF DIAMONDS
THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI FACULTY & STUDENT ENSEMBLES
Tuesday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
University of Mississippi faculty and student musicians under the direction of Dr. Ronald Vernon present J. S. Bach’s Concerto for Two Pianos in C Minor, BWV 1060 with faculty soloists Stacy Rodgers and Diane Wang, and Stravinsky’s L’histoire du soldat (The Soldier’s Tale).   This fabulous musical offering is the first installment of an exchange concert series between the University of Mississippi and Belhaven University.  Complimentary admission.  Doors open at 7:00 pm.

November 11, 2011
ORCHESTRAS & STRINGS CONCERT
Friday, 7:30pm, Concert Hall
You don't want to miss stunning virtuosic performances by Belhaven University’s outstanding string students.  The Belhaven Orchestras also take the stage with The Suite from Sleeping Beauty, Tubby the Tuba, and more.  Music to thrill young and old alike!  Complimentary admission.  Doors open at 7:00 pm.

November 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 2011
FALL DANCE CONCERT
7:30 pm, Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center; 11:00 am Matinee on Thursday, November 17
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 Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students.  Doors open at 7:00 pm, 10:30 am for Thursday matinee. (Guests are asked to bring a canned good for donation to the local food bank).

November 15, 2011
STUDENT COMPOSERS CONCERT IX
Tuesday, 7:30 pm, Recital Room
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.

November 19 and 20, 2011
VOCAL ARTS CONCERT
THE ART OF THE SPIRITUAL:  MOSES HOGAN REMEMBERED (1957-2003)
Saturday and Sunday, 7:30pm, Concert Hall
Sunday, 6pm, Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church Sanctuary, Ridgeland, MS
This concert celebrates renowned African-American composer, arranger, conductor, and concert pianist, Moses Hogan, a native of New Orleans, who met an untimely death at the age of 45 due to a brain tumor.  Though his life was short, his legendary presence within the art of choral music was truly global in scope largely through his remarkable arrangements of African-American spirituals.  Dr. Christopher Shelt leads the Belhaven University Concert Choir, Chorale, and select soloists in a stirring offering of the finest spirituals arranged by the late Moses Hogan.  Complimentary admission.  Doors open at 7:00 pm.

November 21, 2011
BEST OF BELHAVEN I
Monday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
The Music Department presents the most outstanding performances of the semester on one concert.  Musical variety and excellence are the gifts from our student performers to you.  Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7:00 pm.

November 29 & 30, 2011
6TH ANNUAL ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL
A project of the Production Supervision and Directing classes
Tuesday & Wednesday, 7:30 pm, Blackbox Theatre
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.  The plays this year are selected winners of the Belhaven University One Act Play Competition – please contact the Theatre Box Office for further information regarding the plays to be performed.  Admission is free, no reserved seating.  Doors open at 7:00 pm. 
**  Proceeds of dessert sales go to benefit the Iota Upsilon chapter of Alpha Psi Omega, the national theatre honorary society. 

November 30 & December 1, 2011
DOXA FALL DANCE 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 $2.   Complimentary Admission for Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students.  Doors open at 7:00 pm.

December 2 & 3, 2011
THE 79TH ANNUAL SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE
Friday and Saturday, 7:30 pm, Soccer Bowl
Bring blankets and chairs to enjoy this special celebration of Christmas music favorites.  Dr. Christopher Shelt, Coordinator of Vocal Arts, is the music director of this Belhaven tradition.  Complimentary admission.

January 20-21, 2012
OPERA ARTS
LITTLE OPERAS FOR CHILDREN:  LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD & THE TOY SHOP
Concert Hall
Friday, January 20, 7:30pm, The Toy Shop in the Concert Hall
Mississippi Opera Sponsored Family Matinees:
Saturday, January 21, 9:30am, Little Red Riding Hood in the Concert Hall
Saturday, January 21, 11:00am, The Toy Shop in the Concert Hall
Saturday, January 21, 7:30pm, Little Red Riding Hood in the Concert Hall
American Seymour Barab (1921-)  received a Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Opera Association.  Barab's comic one-acts and those for young audiences Little Red Riding Hood, which was the first American opera ever performed in China and The Toy Shop, first performed by the New York City Opera at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.  Kurt Vonnegut says: "Barab's music is full of magic. He proved to an atheist that God exists."  Dr. Christopher Shelt and Belhaven Vocal Arts students present two clever one act Barab favorites.

February 4, 2012
COLLABORATIVE ARTS CONCERT
Saturday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
Faculty and students from Belhaven Arts Departments will collaborate on an evening of innovative and exploratory arts. Complimentary admission.  Doors open at 7:00 pm.

February 7, 2012
PRESTON CHAMBER 
MUSIC SERIES
AN EVENING OF DIAMONDS
Belhaven Piano Trio
Tuesday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
Mississippi Symphony Orchestra principal cellist Mr. Bennett Randman joins faculty members Mr. Song Xie, violinist and Dr. Stephen Sachs, pianist in an inspiring evening of music making including the effervescent French Piano Trio No. 1 in F Major, Op. 18 by Camille Saint-Saëns and the delightful Piano Trio No. 4, Op. 11 by Ludwig van Beethoven. 
Event tickets $10, Seniors $5, Students free with ID.  Complimentary admission for Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students and immediate families.  Doors open at 7:00 pm.

February 9, 2012
MISSISSIPPI GUITAR FESTIVAL
THE GUITAR FACULTY CONCERT
PRESTON CHAMBER 
Thursday, 7:30 pm, Recital Room 
The Guitar Faculty Concert is a tradition of the Mississippi Guitar Festival, featuring guitar faculty from participating schools.  Performers include Trevor Hunt (Pearl River Community College), Nicholas Ciraldo (University of Southern Mississippi), Michael Boyd (Jones County Junior College), John Ingwerson (Hinds Community College), Barry Hause (East Central Community College), Michael Yates (Holmes Community College), Mitch Brantley (Meridian Community College), and Amy Houghton (Belhaven University, Copiah-Lincoln Community College).  Thanks to these professionals, The Mississippi Guitar Festival continues to grow every year, promoting the art of the classical guitar.  The faculty concert concludes the first day of this Festival. Complimentary admission.  Doors open at 7:00 pm.

February 10, 2012
PRESTON CHAMBER 
MUSIC SERIES
AN EVENING OF DIAMONDS
PABLO GARIBAY, GUEST ARTIST GUITAR RECITAL
Friday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall   
This guest artist recital is a part of the 10th annual Mississippi Guitar Festival.  The annual festival draws guitarists from across the state and nation. The festival features lectures, master classes, and student competition. Students have the opportunity to work with MS guitar faculty in lessons, and attend classes focusing on technique and repertoire.  Concerts and competitions are open to the public. For more information, contact Belhaven Adjunct Guitar Instructor Amy Houghton (amyshoughton@gmail.com). Event tickets $10, Seniors $5, Students free with ID.  Complimentary admission for Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students and immediate families.  Doors open at 7:00 pm.

February 11, 2012
FACULTY RECITAL
SYLVIA HONG with MICHAEL RECTOR, DUO PIANISTS
Saturday, 2:00 pm, Concert Hall
Come hear Belhaven’s newest Music Faculty member in recital with Michael Rector.  The Suite No. 2 for Two Pianos, Op. 17 by Sergei Rachmaninoff is the centerpiece of this dynamic program. Complimentary admission.  Doors open at 7:00 pm.

February 11, 2012
STUDENT INVITATIONAL 
ART EXHIBITION
Opening reception Saturday from 2-4:00pm
Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center, Gallery
This annual exhibition of student works highlights a wide range of styles and media including drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media. This exhibition is always one of our most festive and popular openings.  Complimentary Admission.

February 16, 2012
JACKSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS ALL-CITY HONORS BAND
Thursday, 7:00 pm, Concert Hall
The Music Department is pleased to host the Jackson Public School’s finest middle school and high school instrumentalists selected to perform in the 2012 JPS All-City Honors Band.  Complimentary admission.  Doors open at 6:30 pm.

February 16-18, 2012
DANCE MINISTRY ENSEMBLE
Friday and Saturday, 7:30 pm, 
11:00 am Matinee on Thursday, February 16
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 Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students.  Doors open at 7:00 pm on February 17 and 18 and 10:30 am on February 16.

February 23-25, February 29-March 3 , 2012
THE MAYFAIR AFFAIR – A Farce Premiere Workshop Production
Thursday – Saturday, Wednesday – Saturday, 7:30 pm, Blackbox Theatre
This brand new work is the farcical story of John and Samantha Mayfair and their desperate attempt to sell their final financial asset – the Mayfair Diamond – at a weekend affair at their estate.  But their guests’ schemes turn them all into potential thieves, even the Mayfairs themselves.  Be one of the first audiences to enjoy this Premiere Workshop Production!  Directed by faculty member John Maxwell.  General Admission $10, Seniors/Students/Children $5.  Complimentary admission for Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students and immediate families.  Doors open at 7:00 pm.

February 29, March 1-3, 2012
SENIOR DANCE CONCERTS
Wednesday, Friday-Concert A
February 29, March 2 | 7:30 pm

Thursday, Saturday - Concert B, 2012
March 1, 3 | 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 Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students.  Doors open at 7:00 pm 

March 1-3, 2012
MUSICAL THEATRE
INTO THE WOODS
Thursday – Saturday, 7:30pm, 
plus an afternoon matinee on Saturday, March 3, Concert Hall
What happened when the writing talents of James Lapine combined with the genius of Stephen Sondheim?  The answer is the musical Into the Woods, an intertwining of several of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales where everyone gets what they wished for through, much through their own actions.  The results are disastrous.  Do we really understand that actions have consequences?  Event tickets $10, Seniors $5, Students free with ID.  Complimentary admission for Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students and immediate families.  Doors open 30 minutes before each show.

March 20, 2012
FACULTY RECITAL
DR. STEPHEN SACHS, PIANIST 
Tuesday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
An evening of romantic ballades by Frédéric Chopin and Franz Liszt expresses the full range of emotions from tenderness to triumph, darkness to breathtaking beauty.  Complimentary admission.  Doors open at 7:00 pm.

March 23 & 24, 29-31, 2012
SPRING DANCE CONCERT
7:30 pm, Visual Arts and Dance Center, Matinee 11:00 am Thursday, March 29
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 Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students.  Doors open at 7:00 pm.

March 23, 2012
ORCHESTRAS & STRINGS CONCERT
Friday, 7:30pm, Concert Hall
Come and enjoy a colorful and beautiful showcase of string orchestra and symphonic literature featuring our University’s outstanding instrumentalists performing in a variety of settings. Complimentary admission.  Doors open at 7:00 pm.

March 24, 2012
ALL-STATE STRING ORCHESTRA
Saturday, 3:00pm, Concert Hall
Mississippi’s best high school string students present the results of two intensive days of rehearsal and study.  Complimentary admission.  Doors open at 2:00 pm.

March 29-31, April 2-3, 2012
ELEEMOSYNARY BY LEE BLESSING
Thursday – Saturday, Monday 
& Tuesday, 7:30 pm, Theatre 151**
A student directed presentation in our intimate Theatre 151 space. Eleemosynary tell the story of three generations of women and what it means to be a family.

**Theatre 151, located in the CFTA classroom 151, is the Theatre Department’s series of performances for the exploration of challenging topics and the discovery of inspiring and innovative material.  General Admission $10, Seniors/Students/Children $5. Complimentary admission for Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students and immediate families.  Doors open at 7:00 pm.

March 31, 2012
BELHAVEN UNIVERSITY AND JACKSON COMMUNITY SYMPHONIC BAND, JAZZ ENSEMBLE AND PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE CONCERT
Saturday, 7:30pm, Concert Hall
Experience excitement through sound as a full range of instrumental timbres, color, and energy flow under the baton of Dr. Paxton Girtmon and Mr. Paul Heindl.  Complimentary admission.  Doors open at 7:00 pm. 

April 9, 2012
FACULTY RECITAL
SYLVIA HONG, PIANIST 
Monday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
Come hear Belhaven’s newest Music Faculty member in recital.  The program features Beethoven’s magnificent Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37 plus additional solo repertoire that is sure to dazzle! 
Complimentary admission.  Doors open at 7:00 pm.

April 10-14, 2012
BELHAVEN THEATRE 
FESTIVAL 2012
Tuesday – Saturday, call the Theatre Box Office for show times and other information.
A full week series of theatrical events including featured guest artists, student performances, staged readings, senior recitals, class showcases, workshops and presentations.  Contact the Theatre Box Office.  Admission for featured performances only, all other events are free to the public.

April 14, 2012
CHORAL AND VOCAL ARTS
THE BEAUTY OF BERNSTEIN
Saturday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
Fresh originality, an engaging beauty, a distinct signature mark the vocal works of the legendary Leonard Bernstein.  Dr. Christopher Shelt leads the Concert Choir and dancers from the Belhaven University Dance Department in a performance of Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, a work setting biblical psalms in the original Hebrew.  The Chorale performs several French choruses from Bernstein’s incidental music to The Lark.  Select soloists and ensembles will perform a collection of Bernstein Broadway favorites.  Combined soloists and ensembles will perform the finale of Candide, “Make Our Garden Grow,” to close the night.  Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7:00 pm.

April 16, 2012
BEST OF BELHAVEN II
Monday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
The Music Department presents the most outstanding performances of the semester on one concert.  Musical variety and excellence are the gifts from our student performers to you. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7:00 pm.