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:

Belhaven Arts Ablaze Spring 2018

JANUARY 20, 2018
PRESTON CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES: AN EVENING OF DIAMONDS III PIANO TRIO
SATURDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
Last year’s “An Evening of Diamonds” concert featuring alumna violinist Shellie Brown, MSO Principal Cellist Veronica Parrales, and Belhaven/MSO pianist Dr. Stephen W. Sachs was so much fun for audience and performers alike that they are returning this year. Concert repertoire will include the piano trio Las Cuatro Estaciones Portenas (The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires) composed by 20th century Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla. Piazzolla, who mixed tango, jazz, and classical styles in his compositions, was inspired by Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons”. A 19th century piano trio of some renown will complete the program. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 p.m.

FEBRUARY 9, 2018
GUEST VOICE RECITAL
DR. JOHN MOIR, BARITONE
FRIDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
Canceled.

FEBRUARY 10, 2018
GRAPHIC DESIGN DEPARTMENT STUDENT SHOW
SATURDAY, 2:00–4:00 PM
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER, ART GALLERY
The annual Graphic Design Department Student Show is a collection of the best work of the year. This is a juried exhibition in which judges from many leading design studios and various advertising agencies choose the work to be seen in the show. This show will include various print, packaging, web/multi-media, and brand design exploration. Complimentary admission.

FEBRUARY 15–17, 2018
DANCE MINISTRY ENSEMBLE
THURSDAY, FRIDAY, & SATURDAY, 7:00 PM
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER STUDIO THEATRE
The Dance Ministry Ensemble and DOXA present a selection of original dances created by guest artists and dance faculty aimed to encourage and inspire the spirit of all who attend. General admission $10; seniors/students $5; complimentary admission for Belhaven students, faculty, staff, and their immediate families. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each concert.

FEBRUARY 22, 2018
SENIOR DANCE RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS
THURSDAY, 6:30 PM
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER STUDIO THEATRE
Senior dance majors present an evening of scholarship, lecture demonstrations, and creative process discussions on topics from the field of dance and beyond. Complimentary Admission.

FEBRUARY 23–24, 28, MARCH 1–3, 2018
LITTLE WOMEN THE MUSICAL
MUSIC BY JASON HOWLAND
LYRICS BY MINDI DICKSTEIN
BOOK BY ALLAN KNEE
DIRECTED BY DR. DAVID S. SOLLISH
FRIDAY—SATURDAY, 7:30 PM
WEDNESDAY—SATURDAY, 7:30 PM
SATURDAY MATINEES, 2 PM
BLACKBOX THEATRE
Based on Louisa May Alcott’s life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America. This timeless, captivating story is brought to life in this glorious musical filled with personal discovery, heartache, hope, and everlasting love. General admission $10; seniors/students $5; complimentary admission for Belhaven students, faculty, staff and their immediate families. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each performance.

FEBRUARY 26, 2018
READING: CATHERINE PIERCE
VISITING WRITER SERIES
MONDAY, 5:00–6:30 PM
STUDENT CENTER THEATER
Visiting writer Catherine Pierce will read from published works and works-in-progress. Pierce is the author of three books of poetry: The Tornado Is the World (Saturnalia 2016), The Girls of Peculiar (Saturnalia 2012), and Famous Last Words (Saturnalia 2008). Both The Tornado Is the World and The Girls of Peculiar won the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters Poetry Prize. Pierce’s poems have appeared in The Best American Poetry (2015 and 2011), Best New Poets, Slate, Boston Review, Ploughshares, The Cincinnati Review, The Southern Review, Crab Orchard Review, Indiana Review, Gulf Coast, Mid-American Review, Pleiades, Gettysburg Review, Crazyhorse, and elsewhere. Originally from Delaware, Pierce earned her B.A. from Susquehanna University, her M.F.A. from the Ohio State University, and her Ph.D. from the University of Missouri. She now lives in Starkville, Miss., where she is an associate professor and co-director of the creative writing program at Mississippi State University. Complimentary admission. Open to the public.

FEBRUARY 28–MARCH 3, 2018
SENIOR DANCE CONCERT
CONCERT A: WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY, 7:00 PM
CONCERT B: THURSDAY & SATURDAY, 7:00 PM
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER STUDIO THEATRE
Senior dance majors present an evening of original choreography and performance at the intersection of scholarship and practice. This event is sponsored by DOXA. General admission $10; seniors/students $5; complimentary admission for Belhaven students, faculty, staff and their immediate families. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each performance.

MARCH 3, 2018
DUET PIANO RECITAL
THE SACHS PIANO DUO
SATURDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
This year the Sachs Piano Duo, Dr. and Mrs. Sachs, will play on one piano, a program of duets. Their favorites include playful Mozart, dramatic Schubert, programmatic Bizet, and orchestral Rossini. Come enjoy “double the fun” as four hands share one keyboard! Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 p.m.

MARCH 5, 2018
BEST OF BELHAVEN II
MONDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
The music department presents the most outstanding student performances since mid-November on one concert. Musical variety and excellence are the gifts from our student performers to you. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 p.m.

APRIL 6, 2018
FACULTY VOICE RECITAL
“PARDON THE INTERRUPTION”
CHRIS PHILLIPS, TENOR
FRIDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
You are invited to join Christopher Phillips, tenor and sometimes counter-tenor, for an evening of song that reflects Chris’ vocal journey—a journey that has not been without its curves, interruptions, and occasional diversions. Chris, accompanied by his lovely wife, Virginia, will present musical theater, classical, and sacred selections that offer glimpses of hope, vanity, encouragement, folly, and faith. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 p.m.

APRIL 7–MAY 12, 2018
STUDENT INVITATIONAL ART EXHIBITION
OPENING RECEPTION SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2:00–4:00 PM
EXHIBITED MONDAY—FRIDAY, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM OR BY APPT.
BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER, ART GALLERY
This annual juried exhibition of student works highlights a wide range of styles and media including drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and mixed media. This exhibition has always been one of our most festive and popular openings. Complimentary admission.

APRIL 10, 2018
INSTRUMENTAL ARTS CONCERT
TUESDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
Come and experience the new and unique timbres of the wind ensemble as well as various woodwind and brass ensembles as they revisit the works of traditional composers, move to the always exciting contemporary avenue, and perform some of the newer music in the small ensemble repertoire. You will hear everything from Baroque to 20th century music; in short, IT’S GONNA BE FUN! Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 p.m.

APRIL 12, 2018
READING: THE BEST OF BELHAVEN’S WRITERS
STUDENT READING SERIES
THURSDAY, 6:00–7:30 PM
STUDENT CENTER THEATER
Students currently enrolled in the B.F.A. program in creative writing at Belhaven University will read from their work. Representing many states and several countries, these students have enrolled at Belhaven because of their gift for writing and devotion to craft. Readings will include fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and scripts for screen and stage. Upon graduation, Belhaven’s creative writers will join a group of alumni who have published novels, topped The New York Times bestseller list, won national poetry prizes and Fulbright Scholarships, and secured positions with prestigious presses and institutions of higher education. Complimentary Admission. Open to the public. Reception to follow.

APRIL 13, 2018
STRINGS AND ORCHESTRA CONCERT
FRIDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
Come and enjoy a night showcasing brilliant string solos and chamber groups featuring our outstanding string students. The Belhaven University Symphony Orchestra concludes this program of excellence with a musical exclamation point. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 p.m.

APRIL 14, 2018
ALL-STATE STRINGS CONCERT
SATURDAY, 3:00 PM, CONCERT HALL
Mississippi’s best high school string students present the results of two intensive days of rehearsal and study in this closing concert. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 2:30 pm.

APRIL 20–21, 25–28, 2018
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
DIRECTED BY JOSEPH FROST
FRIDAY—SATURDAY,
WEDNESDAY—SATURDAY, 7:30 pm
SATURDAY MATINEES, 2 PM
BLACKBOX THEATRE
Shakespeare’s classic comedy deals with the universal theme of love and its complications: lust, disappointment, confusion, marriage. The plot focuses on three parallel stories: the trials and experiences of two sets of lovers camping in a magical forest, the world of the fairy king and queen and their elves, and a group of rough craftsmen attempting to stage a production of “Pyramus and Thisby” for the wedding of the Duke of Athens. Hermia is in love with Lysander, but her father wants her to marry Demetrius. To escape the arranged marriage, she and Lysander elope into the woods. Demetrius follows them, and he is pursued by Helena, who nurses an unrequited passion for him. A love quadrangle develops among the young lovers when mischievous Puck plays Cupid. “The course of true love never did run smooth,” says Lysander. Meanwhile, a group of amateur actors rehearses a badly-written play in the woods, and soon all find their lives changed by the doings of Oberon and Titania, the warring king and queen of the fairies. Magic, action, love, and humor are the ingredients for this unforgettable spell. But as Puck knows, falling in love can make fools of us all. Love is crazy, love is mad. Will love win out in the end? General admission $10; seniors/students $5; complimentary admission for Belhaven students, faculty, staff and their immediate families. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each performance.

APRIL 20–21, 27–28, 2018
SPRING DANCE CONCERT
BELHAVEN UNIVERSITY DANCE ENSEMBLE
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 7:00 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 and members of DOXA. Styles include classical and contemporary ballet and modern dance. General admission $10; seniors/students $5; complimentary admission for Belhaven students, faculty, staff and their immediate families. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each concert.

APRIL 23, 2018
COMPOSERS’ ORCHESTRAL READING SESSION
MONDAY, 5:30 PM
TRUSTMARK GRAND HALL, MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF ART
MSO performs, in an open forum, the new orchestral compositions of chosen college and university student composers from Belhaven University, Jackson State University, and Mississippi College. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 5 p.m.

APRIL 24, 2018
STUDENT COMPOSERS CONCERT XIX
TUESDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
The Composers Forum invites you to participate in making new music with Belhaven student composers and performers. Join in with the creative discovery and exploration of bringing freshly-fabricated musical worlds to life. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 p.m.

APRIL 28, 2018
BEST OF BELHAVEN III
SATURDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
The music department presents the most outstanding student performances of the semester in one concert. Musical variety and excellence are the gifts from our student performers to you. End-of-year music awards will be given to selected students at the end of the concert. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 p.m.

MAY 1, 2018
CHORAL CONCERT
TUESDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
Jubilate Deo
The Belhaven Concert Choir and Chorale with chamber orchestra under the direction of Mr. Chris Phillips, are delighted to present Dan Forrest’s “Jubilate Deo”. Forrest’s “Jubilate Deo” brings to life the global aspect of the traditional Psalm 100 text, “O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands”, by setting it in seven different languages and drawing from a wide spectrum of musical influences. Each movement combines some characteristics of its language-group’s musical culture with the composer’s own musical language. The result is a stunning global celebration of joy, as all the earth sings as one, “omnis terra, jubilate!” Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Belhaven Arts Ablaze Fall 2017

September 9, 2017
24-HOUR THEATRE EVENT
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. Doorsopen at 7 p.m.

September 12, 2017
GUEST ARTIST RECITAL
JOHN DE CHIARO, GUITAR
TUESDAY, 7:30 PM, INSTRUMENTAL REHEARSAL HALL
Guest artist John De Chiaro offers an evening of solo classical guitar and an opportunity to hear the first movement of Kermit Poling’s new “Concierto De Chiaro” that was recently released on the Centaur Record Label featuring Mr. De Chiaro and the London Symphony Orchestra. The price is right for a fabulous evening in a delightfully intimate setting. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 p.m.

September 25, 2017
READING: MICHAEL FARRIS SMITH
VISITING WRITER SERIES
MONDAY, 5:00–6:30 PM, STUDENT CENTER THEATER
Visiting writer Michael Farris Smith will read from published works and works in progress. Smith is the award-winning author of Desperation Road, Rivers and The Hands of Strangers. Desperation Road is an Amazon Best Book, Indie Next List selection and a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers choice. Rivers was named in numerous “Best of the Year” lists and garnered the Mississippi Author Award for Fiction. His short fiction has twice been nominated for a Pushcart Prize, and his essays have appeared in The New York Times, Catfish Alley, Writer’s Bone and more. The Fighter, his fourth novel, is forthcoming in April 2018. He lives in Oxford, Mississippi with his wife and daughters and teaches at Mississippi University for Women. Complimentary admission.

September 26, 2017
PRESTON CHAMBER
MUSIC SERIES: AN EVENING OF DIAMONDS I, VIOLIN DUO
TUESDAY, 7:30 PM
Belhaven alumna and Juilliard graduate Jocelyn Zhu joins with fellow Juilliard graduate Mariella Haubs to perform music by artists who faced adversity in their lives and communities. Music by Leclair, Prokofiev, Shostakovich and John Williams as well as African-American spirituals will be presented. Come hear fabulous music and the sharing of human stories as our artists strive to replace xenophobia with compassion. Jocelyn is a former student of Belhaven music professor Song Xie. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 p.m.

September 27–30, 2017
THE GLASS MENAGERIE
WRITTEN BY TENNESSEE WILLIAMS
DIRECTED BY ELISSA SARTWELL
WEDNESDAY—SATURDAY, 7:30 PM
SATURDAY MATINEE, 2:00 PM, BARBER AUDITORIUM
One of the most loved and produced plays of all time, The Glass Menagerie reveals ways in which we try to simultaneously cling to and escape from our memories. When it premiered in 1944, The Glass Menagerie launched the career of Tennessee Williams. In this memory play, Tom Wingfield looks back on the years he spent living with his mother Amanda and his sister Laura in a tenement apartment in Depression-era St. Louis. Often cited as Williams’ most autobiographical work, The Glass Menagerie is a fragile masterpiece. General admission $10; seniors/students $5; complimentary admission for Belhaven students, faculty, staff and their immediate families. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each performance.

September 30, 2017
COMMUNITY DANCE CONCERT
SATURDAY, 7:00 PM, CONCERT HALL
Members of Belhaven University’s dance faculty, students, DOXA and alumni join together with other local dance artists to offer an inspiring and lively evening of dance. General admission $10; seniors/students $5; complimentary admission for Belhaven students, faculty, staff and their immediate families. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

October 19, 2017
READING: THE BEST OF BELHAVEN’S WRITERS
STUDENT READING SERIES
THURSDAY, 6:00–7:30 PM, STUDENT CENTER THEATER
Students currently enrolled in the BFA program in Creative Writing at Belhaven University will read from their work. Representing many states and several countries, these students have enrolled at Belhaven because of their gift for writing and devotion to craft. Readings will include fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction and scripts for screen and stage. Upon graduation, Belhaven’s creative writers will join a group of alumni who have published novels, topped The New York Times bestseller list, won national poetry prizes and Fulbright Scholarships and secured positions with prestigious presses and institutions
of higher education. Complimentary admission. Reception to follow.

October 20–21, 25–28, 2017
INTO THE WOODS
MUSIC AND LYRICS BY STEPHEN SONDHEIM
BOOK BY JAMES LAPINE
DIRECTED BY DR. DAVID S. SOLLISH
FRIDAY—SATURDAY, 7:30 PM
WEDNESDAY—SATURDAY, 7:30 PM
SATURDAY MATINEES, 2:00 PM, BLACKBOX THEATRE
James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone’s favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless yet relevant piece ... and a rare modern classic. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching. The story follows a baker and his wife who wish to have a child, Cinderella who wishes to attend the king’s festival and Jack who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results. General admission $10; seniors/students $5; complimentary admission for Belhaven students, faculty, staff and their immediate families. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each performance.

October 21, 2017
PRESTON CHAMBER
MUSIC SERIES: AN EVENING OF DIAMONDS II, BELHAVEN CHAMBER ENSEMBLES
SATURDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
Belhaven’s music faculty join forces in this chamber ensemble concert. Clarinetist Ken Graves, violist Elizabeth Taylor, cellist Nancy Bateman and pianist Dr. Stephen Sachs offer music by Brahms, Hindemith and Rota where melodies are shared by all of the performers. Come early for a great seat close to the concert hall stage. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.

November 7, 2017
FACULTY PIANO RECITAL “JOY”
TUESDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
Professor of Music Dr. Stephen W. Sachs offers an evening of joyful music as an offering to the Lord featuring works by Scarlatti, Mozart, Chopin, Debussy and Messiaen. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.

November 10, 11, 17, 18, 2017
FALL DANCE CONCERT
FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS, 7:00 PM, BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER STUDIO THEATRE
A showcase of choreography by dance faculty and guest artists is presented by the Belhaven University Dance Ensemble and members of DOXA. Styles include classical and contemporary ballet and modern dance. General admission $10; seniors/students $5; complimentary admission for Belhaven students, faculty, staff and their immediate families. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each concert.

November 10, 2017
CHORAL & VOCAL ARTS CONCERT
FRIDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
Belhaven’s concert choir, chorale and chamber orchestra under the direction of Mr. Chris Phillips are delighted to present Dan Forrest’s “Jubilate Deo.” Dan Forrest’s “Jubilate Deo” brings to life the global aspect of the traditional Psalm 100 text, “O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands” by setting it in seven different languages and drawing from a wide spectrum of musical influences. Each movement combines some characteristics of its language group’s musical culture with the composer’s own musical language. The result is a stunning global celebration of joy as all the earth sings as one, “omnis terra, jubilate!” Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.

November 14, 2017
INSTRUMENTAL ARTS CONCERT: PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE, JAZZ ENSEMBLE AND CLASSICAL GUITAR
TUESDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
Come and experience the new and unique timbres of our ensembles as they revisit the works of traditional composers, move to the always exciting contemporary avenue and perform some of the newer music in the small ensemble repertoire. You will hear everything from baroque to twentieth-century music. In short, IT’S GONNA BE FUN! Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.

November 15–18, 2017
DON QUIXOTE
BASED ON THE NOVEL BY MIGUEL DE CERVANTES
DIRECTED BY JOSEPH FROST
WEDNESDAY—SATURDAY, 7:30 PM
SATURDAY MATINEE, 2:00 PM, BARBER AUDITORIUM
This devised theatre production created by the director and cast will put a new spin on the classic Spanish tale by Miguel de Cervantes. The story follows the adventures of a hidalgo named Mr. Alonso Quixano who reads so many chivalric romances that he loses his sanity and decides to set out to revive chivalry, undo wrongs and bring justice to the world under the name Don Quixote de la Mancha. General admission $10; seniors/students $5; complimentary admission for Belhaven students, faculty, staff and their immediate families. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each performance.

November 17, 2017
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERT
FRIDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
The Belhaven University Symphony Orchestra will present a famous masterwork by Felix Mendelssohn. Reformation Symphony No. 5 in D major was composed in honor of the 300th anniversary of the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession, a momentous event of the Protestant Reformation. Also presented is Wagner’s “Rienzi Overture”. Come enjoy a night of a high-quality performance! Complimentary admission.  Doors open at 7 pm.

November 20, 2017
BEST OF BELHAVEN I
MONDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
Music Department presents the most outstanding student performances of the semester in one concert. Musical variety and excellence are the gifts from our student performers to you. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.

November 29–30, 2017
DOXA DANCE CONCERT
WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY, 7:00 PM, BITSY IRBY VISUAL ARTS AND DANCE CENTER STUDIO THEATRE
This event is produced by members of DOXA and highlights student choreography and performance. General admission $10; seniors/students $5; complimentary admission for Belhaven students, faculty, staff and their immediate families. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each concert.

December 1–2, 2017
THE 85th ANNUAL SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE
FRIDAY and SATURDAY, 7:30 PM, BELHAVEN ATHLETICS BOWL STADIUM
Voices! Carols! Lights! The Belhaven University Singing Christmas Tree is the oldest outdoor singing Christmas tree tradition in North America. Mr. Christopher Phillips conducts the tree made up of Belhaven’s choral arts singers along with additional students, faculty and staff. These voices join together to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas! Complimentary admission.

December 5, 2017
STUDENT COMPOSERS CONCERT XIX
TUESDAY, 7:30 PM, CONCERT HALL
The Composers Forum invites you to participate in making new music with Belhaven’s student composers and performers. Join us in the creative discovery and exploration of bringing freshly-fabricated musical worlds to life. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.