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 entire ArtsAblaze. Looking for a past edition of an ArtsAblaze? Check our archives.
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 Order Tickets Online |
Theatre boxoffice@belhaven.edu 601-965-7026 Order Tickets Online |
Visual Arts visualarts@belhaven.edu 601-974-6478 |
Arts Ablaze Fall 2013
August 24, 2013
The 24-Hour Theatre Thing
SATURDAY, 7:30 PM, 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 pm.
August 30 , 2013
Roddy Merritt Band
SOMETHINGPOSITIVE
Friday, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
This world is consumed with negativity, but seeking for “something positive.” That which can only be found through faith and greater lifestyle is represented through a band of “the least of these.” “We seek to challenge tradition and a new generation of people, both Christians and non-Christians (Lead singer Roddy Merritt).” The powerful force of music is the way in which SOMETHINGPOSITIVE seeks to present the truth they represent and be part of sending out a message greater than the message that exists in today’s world. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7:00pm.
September 19-28, 2013
Ice Island by Marjorie Duffield
THURSDAY–SATURDAY, WEDNESDAY–SATURDAY, 7:30 PM, SATURDAY MATINEES SEPT. 21 & 28, 2 PM, BLACKBOX THEATRE
Directed by faculty member Marianne Savell
Guest Artist–Luis Ramirez, scenic and lighting design
Ice Island is the story of the crew of The Endurance led by Sir Ernest Shackleton and their failed attempt to cross Antarctica in 1914. Their ship lost to the ice, the crew was stranded a thousand miles from the nearest civilization, and struggled to survive the extreme conditions. * This is a Regional Premiere Production. General Admission $10; Seniors/Students $5.Complimentary admission for Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students and immediate families. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each performance.
September 20, 2013
Guest Artist Guitar Concert
Andrew Stroud
FRIDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
English guitarist, Andrew Stroud, is a celebrated international performer. Mr. Stroud has enjoyed success at top competitions in the United States, Canada and Chile. His artistry is considered among the finest in his field. Everyone is sure to be delighted by this musical performance. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.
September 24 , 2013
Faculty Artist-in-Residence Piano Recital–Sylvia Hong
Tuesday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
Works by American composers and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with a special appearance by pianist husband Dr. Michael Rector promise an exciting evening of music making. Complimentary admission.
Doors open at 7 pm.
September 28, 2013
Community Dance Concert
SATURDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
Members of Belhaven University dance faculty, students and alumni join together with 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 and immediate families. Doors open at 7 pm.
October 7, 2013
Poetry Reading: Julie Kane
MONDAY, 5:30 PM, STUDENT CENTER THEATER
Julie Kane is the current Louisiana Poet Laureate. Her six books include three collections of poetry, one volume of non-fiction, and two edited anthologies. Her 2003 poetry collection, Rhythm & Booze, was Maxine Kumin’s selection for the National Poetry Series and one of four finalists for the 2005 Poets’ Prize. Her new collection, Jazz Funeral, is judge David Mason’s selection for the 2009 Donald Justice Poetry Prize. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 5 pm.
October 19, 2013
Preston Chamber
Music Series
An Evening of Diamonds I
Guest Artist Piano Duo
SATURDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
Belhaven Music was proud to host the 2013 NFMC Ellis Duo Piano National Competition this past spring. First prize winners Hilary Mauler and Tiffany Delgado make a triumphant return offering a thrilling evening of duo piano repertoire. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7:00 pm.
October 25, 2013
The Sachs Piano Duo
FRIDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
A dynamic demonstration of duos and duets designed to delight you offered by Belhaven husband and wife Dr. Stephen and Mrs. Carolyn Sachs. Their double dose of daring digits will surely dazzle. From breathtaking Brahms to bold Bernstein and beautiful Bach, this program doesn’t disappoint. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.
October 24-November 2, 2013
Johanne d’Arc–
a devised theatre piece
THURSDAY-SATURDAY, WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY, 7:30 PM, SATURDAY MATINEES OCT. 26 &
NOV. 2, 2 PM, BLACKBOX THEATRE
Directed by Joseph Frost, Theatre Chair
A dynamic visionary telling of the story of Joan, the peasant girl called by God to lead the fight against the English to reestablish the French throne, eventually betrayed and put on trial for heresy. * This is a World Premiere Production. General Admission $10; Seniors/Students $5. Complimentary admission for Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students and immediate families. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each performance.
November 5, 2013
Orchestras, Strings
and Choir Concert
TUESDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
The Belhaven Orchestra takes the stage with the Belhaven Choirs presenting Beethoven’s Fantasy in C Minor for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra (“The Choral Fantasy”), Op. 80, and featuring senior pianist Megan van der Bijl. The Orchestra will also premier a work by student composer, Ms. Libby Roberts, the work conducted by student conductor Mr. Andrew Craig. The String Chamber Orchestra along with string solos and chamber ensembles complete the evening’s offerings. Dr. Christopher Shelt and Mr. Song Xie share the baton throughout the concert. Music to thrill young and old alike! Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.
November 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 2013
Fall Dance Concert
Friday, November 8, 7:30 PM
Saturday, November 9, 2 PM and 7:30 PM
Thursday, November 14, 11 am
Friday, November 15, 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 16, 7:30 pm
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER STUDIO THEATRE
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 and immediate families. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each concert.
November 9, 2013
Belhaven Cabaret Night
SATURDAY, 7:30 PM, BLACKBOX THEATRE
An evening of performances from some of the best of musical theatre. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.
November 12, 2013
Student Composers Concert XI
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 pm.
November 14, 2013
Instrumental Arts Concert: Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and Jazz & Classical Guitar Ensembles
THURSDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
Come and experience a new and unique combination of chords and timbres as the Wind Ensemble moves to the contemporary avenue and performs some of the newer music in the wind band repertoire. With a variety of ensembles, a confluence of improvisational genres and styles delivers a unique musical flavor! This is a musical stew with all the ingredients including contemporary jazz, some original B.U. Blues and a side dish of some Gospel Music, jazzed up of course. In short, IT’S GONNA BE FUN! Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.
November 18, 2013
Preston Chamber
Music Series
An Evening of Diamonds II
Belhaven Piano Trio
MONDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
Former Mississippi Symphony Orchestra principal cellist Mr. Bennett Randman joins music faculty members Mr. Song Xie, violinist and Dr. Stephen Sachs, pianist in an inspiring evening of music making including two marvelous piano trios: the “cheerful” Piano Trio in E-flat Major, Op. 70, No. 2 by Beethoven and the Piano Trio in C Minor, Op. 66 by Mendelssohn. Mendelssohn’s composition concludes with a tune recognized as the setting for the text “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow.” General Admission $10, Seniors $5, Students free with ID. Complimentary admission for Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students and immediate families. Doors open at 7 pm.
November 21 & 22, 2013
Doxa Dance Concert
THURSDAY & FRIDAY, 6:30 PM
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER STUDIO THEATRE
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 $2, Complimentary admission for Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students and immediate families. Doors open at 6 pm.
November 22 & 23, 2013
7th Annual Evening
of One Acts
A project of the Production Supervision
and Directing classes
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 8 PM, BLACKBOX THEATRE
An evening of original short plays and delicious desserts!** Plays will be chosen from the 2013 Belhaven University One Act Submission–contact the Theatre Box Office for further information regarding the plays to be performed. Admission is free, no reserved seating. **Proceeds of dessert sales go to benefit Belhaven’s Iota Upsilon chapter of Alpha Psi Omega, the national theatre honorary society. Doors open at 7 pm.
November 25, 2013
Best of Belhaven I
MONDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
The Music Department presents the most outstanding student 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 pm.
December 6 & 7, 2013
The 81st Annual Singing Christmas Tree
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 7:30 PM, SOCCER BOWL
This year marks Belhaven University’s 81st anniversary of the Singing Christmas Tree, the oldest annual outdoor singing Christmas tree tradition in America. Dr. Christopher Shelt conducts Belhaven Choral Arts singers along with additional students, faculty and staff. More than a hundred voices join forces to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas! Bring your blankets and chairs for this wonderful evening. Complimentary admission.
Belhaven Arts Ablaze Spring 2014
January 17 & 18, 2014
Opera Arts
Little Opera for Children:
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs by Seymour Barab
Friday, January 17, 7:30 pm
Saturday, January 18, 9:30 am & 11:30 am
Concert Hall
Thousands of Jackson area children and adults have enjoyed our Little Operas for Children productions for the last three years and have asked for more! This year we offer another classic tale. The story of Snow White and her forest friends did not originate with Disney! This one hour opera is based on the original Grimm’s fairy tale and promises some twists and turns alongside the familiar story. Remember the famous mirror on the wall? The one that tells who is the fairest one of all? This one sings! Dr. Christopher Shelt and Belhaven Vocal Arts students present another clever one-act classic that children will love. Complimentary admission. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each performance.
January 18, 2014
Opera Arts
Two Hilarious Operas for Grown-ups: La Serva Padrona (The Servant Wife)
by Giovanni Pergolesi
A Game of Chance
by Seymour Barab
Saturday, January 18, 2:30 pm & 7:30 pm
concert hall
La Serva Padrona, the famous light operatic classic is about love, the barriers of social status, and the winsomeness of wit to overcome!
A Game of Chance, a comic opera in one act, is perfect for first time opera goers. English! Funny! Short! A Game of Chance will make you laugh and it will make you think... Set in the 1950s, three newspaper writers dream of a life that is exciting and different from their hum-drum lives as typists. Their wishes are mysteriously answered by strange visitors. Oh my! Be careful what you wish for... you just might get what you ask!
Complimentary admission. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each performance.
February 13-15, 2014
Dance Ministry Ensemble
Thursday, 11 am Matinee
Friday & Saturday, 7:30 pm
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER STUDIO THEATRE
An evening of dance presentation aimed to bring inspiration and encouragement to the soul. Complimentary admission for Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students and immediate families. General Admission $10 to the public; $5 for Seniors and non-Belhaven University students. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each concert.
February 13-22, 2014
Curtains–a musical
Thursday–Saturday, Wednesday–Friday, 7:30 pm, Saturday Matinees February 15 & 22, 2:00 pm, Blackbox Theatre
Book by Rupert Holmes, Lyrics by Fred Ebb, Music by John Kander, Additional Lyrics by Kander & Holmes, Directed by faculty member Stewart Hawley, Choreography by Dance faculty member Laura Morton
Music Direction by Andrew Craig
Music by Kander & Lyrics by Ebb, with additional lyrics by Kander & Holmes
Based on the original book and concept by Peter Stone, the musical is a send-up of backstage murder mystery plots, set in 1959 Boston, Massachusetts and follows the fallout when the supremely untalented star of Robbin’ Hood of the Old West is murdered during her opening night curtain call. It is up to Lt. Frank Cioffi, a police detective who moonlights as a musical theater fan to save the show, solve the case, and maybe even find love before the show reopens, without getting killed himself.General Admission $10; Seniors/Students $5. Complimentary admission for Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students and immediate families. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each performance.
February 20 & 21, 2014
BA Senior Oral Presentations
Thursday & Friday, 6:30 pm
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER STUDIO THEATRE
Graduating BA Dance students proudly present innovative, original research projects representing the culmination of their dance studies. Experience the passion and rigor of these mature dance scholars as they exhibit visual and oral presentations of their thesis projects. Different students will present each evening. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 6:15 pm.
February 26, 27, 28, March 1, 2014
Senior Dance Concerts
Wednesday, February 26, 7:00 pm - Concert A
Thursday, February 27, 7:00 pm - Concert B
Friday, February 28, 7:00 pm - Concert A
Saturday, March 1, 7:00 pm - Concert B
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. Complimentary admission for Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students and immediate families. General Admission $8 to the public; $5 for Seniors and non-Belhaven University students. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each concert.
February 27, 2014
Best of Belhaven II
THURSDAY, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
The Music Department presents the most outstanding student performances from the last three months on one concert. Musical variety and excellence are the gifts from our student performers to you. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.
March 4, 2014
Faculty Voice Recital–A Teacher with His Students II
Dr. Christopher Shelt
Tuesday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
Popular response to last year’s collaborative concert has inspired Dr. Christopher Shelt, a teacher-performer professor of 15 years at Belhaven University, to sing another entertaining concert with selected students from his studio, past and present, celebrating the teacher-student relationship with ensemble singing from many genres and styles. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.
March 6, 2014
Student Composers
Concert XII
Thursday, 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 pm.
March 18, 2014 - EVENT CANCELLED
Faculty Piano Recital - Dr. Stephen Sachs
Tuesday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
March 20-22, 2014
National Association
of Teachers of Singing
Regional Artist Award Competition & State Competition
THURSDAY-Saturday, schedule TBA, Center for the arts
Belhaven University Music is pleased to host this year’s annual NATS competition where some of the finest voices studying in Mississippi compete for the Regional NATS Artist Award and State awards. Call 601-974-6494 or email vtate@belhaven.edu for additional information.
March 27, 28, 29; April 10, 11, 12, 2014
Spring Dance Productions
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER STUDIO THEATRE
A Time for Ballet
THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 11 AM
FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 7:30 PM
SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 2 PM AND 7:30 PM
A COLLECTION OF CONTEMPORARY DANCE
Thursday, April 10, 11 am
Friday, April 11, 7:30 pm
Saturday, April 12, 2 pm and 7:30 pm
The Belhaven University Dance Ensemble presents two separate dance events for Spring 2014. Audiences will enjoy the opportunity to feast on samplings of classical, neoclassical and current balletic dance trends during “A Time For Ballet”. “A Collection of Contemporary Dance” will provide the viewer selections of today’s dance works exploring collaboration, experimentation and innovative usage of technology. Complimentary admission for Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students and immediate families. General Admission $10 to the public; $5 for Seniors and non-Belhaven University students. Doors open 30 minutes prior
to each concert.
March 28, 2014
Belhaven Strings & Orchestras
Friday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
Come and enjoy a colorful and beautiful showcase of string solos and chamber groups featuring our University’s outstanding string students, as well as the Belhaven String Chamber Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.
March 29-May 3, 2014
Student Invitational Art Exhibition
Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center, Gallery
Opening reception on Saturday, March 29, 2 pm-4 pm
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.
March 29, 2014
All State Strings Concert
Saturday, 3 pm, Concert Hall
Mississippi’s best high school string students present the results of two intensive days of rehearsal and study.
Dr. Timothy James Bergman is the guest conductor.
Complimentary admission. Doors open at 2:30 pm.
April 1-5, 7, 2014
Last Train to Nibroc
by Arlene Hutton
Tuesday–Saturday & Monday, 7:30 pm
Saturday Matinee at 2 pm, BLACKBOX THEATRE
Directed by faculty member Marianne Savell
December 1940. Aboard an east-bound cross-country train which carries the bodies of great American writers Nathanael West and F. Scott Fitzgerald, two strangers find themselves seated together. Raleigh, an aspiring writer, is on his way to New York, and May, is on her way to become a missionary. The charm of their meeting and budding romance is challenged when the two discover that they are from neighboring Appalachian towns, and they must decide between plans as they are, or catching the train to the Nibroc Festival. Complimentary admission for Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students and immediate families. General Admission $10 to the public; Seniors/Students $5. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each performance.
April 3, 2014
Faculty Percussion Recital
Mr. Owen Rockwell
Thursday, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall
Solo percussion music’s presence in the concert and academic setting has progressed to the point that New York Times columnist Allan Kozinn recently wrote, “If you think about it, percussion is the new violins.” Come experience the complex range of techniques and endless variety of sonic landscapes found in contemporary music written for drums, found objects and standard percussion instruments. This program will feature Iannis Xenakis’ landmark work Psappha for solo percussion as well as several works receiving their first performance in Mississippi. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.
April 5, 2014
Instrumental Arts Concert: Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and Jazz & Classical Guitar Ensembles
Saturday, 3 pm, Concert Hall
Complimentary admission. Doors open at 2:30 pm.
April 7-12, 2014
Belhaven Theatre
Festival 2013
A full week series of theatrical events–from featured guest artists, student- initiated performances, staged readings, senior recitals, class showcases, workshops and presentations. The full Festival schedule to be announced in the spring; contact the Theatre Box Office for information. Admission for featured performances only, all other events are free to the public.
April 12, 2014
Choral and Vocal Arts:
A German Requiem by Johannes Brahms
Saturday, 7:30 pm, concert halL
In collaboration with pianists Dr. Stephen and Mrs. Carolyn Sachs, the 85 voices of the Belhaven Concert Choir and Belhaven Chorale, along with soloists take to the stage to present A German Requiem by Johannes Brahms. This work is based on scriptural texts from the German Luther Bible and was intended as comfort for the living. Normally performed with a very large choir and symphony orchestra, this “London” piano four-hands version of A German Requiem was written by Brahms himself for use in chamber settings. Dr. Christopher Shelt conducts the Belhaven Concert Choir, Chorale, soloists, and The Sachs Piano Duo in this sacred concert masterpiece. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.
April 14, 2014
Best of Belhaven III
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 pm.
April 15, 2014
Composers’ Orchestral Reading Session
Tuesday, 5:30 pm, Trustmark Grand Hall, Mississippi Museum of Art
Student composers from Belhaven University and Mississippi College realize the dream of having their compositions read by professional players of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, directed by Maestro Crafton Beck. Brief discussions of the compositions and the composers’ intentions are part of this positive, engaging, and exploratory session. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 5 pm. Reception following in the Grand Hall.
