West Liberty University’s Department of Music will present an unusual duo in concert, at 8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 29, as part of its 2013 – 2014 Concert Artist Series. Free and open to the public, the concert takes place in Elbin Auditorium in College Hall.
Duo Jalal, a viola and percussion duo, has played around the world and will excite listeners with its contemporary gypsy to jazz sound.
“To my knowledge, this is the very first time WLU’s Concert Artist Series is featuring a duo with the unique and intriguing combination of viola and percussion. This concert will be an eclectic feast, representing musical styles from across the globe — a world music tour de force. Please join us!” said Professor Gerald Lee, coordinator of the concert series.
Audiences will be enthralled as the classically trained violist, Kathryn Lockwood, from Australia ignites her instrument with passion – one minute embodying a gypsy violinist, the next a Middle Eastern reed flutist. Her partner and husband, Yousif Sheronick, of Lebanese descent, dazzles as he manipulates sound by simply snapping his fingers at the edge of an Egyptian frame drum or dragging his foot across the Peruvian cajon.
From their chamber music foundation, Duo Jalal moves from Classical to Klezmer, Middle Eastern to Jazz, with a skillful confluence that is natural, exploratory and passionate. Inspired by their namesake, the 13th century poet Jalal ad-Din Rumi, whose visions and words brought together people of different religions, cultures and races, Duo Jalal opens their doors to all communities for a diverse and stimulating inter-cultural experience.
For the past five years Duo Jalal has performed throughout the United States and Australia, regularly performing world premiers of works composed or arranged for the group by Philip Glass, Derek Bermel, Kenji Bunch, David Krakauer and Giovanni Sollima. DuoJalal recently released their first CD on Innova Recordings titled “A Different World.”
Critics hail the new CD as an “exhilarating sonic and somewhat mystical experience” (Jordan Times). The Toronto Star exclaims, “If this is what the world music’s future holds, bring on the party.”
Always eager to collaborate, the duo also offers two additional programs, one with piano trio and another with dancers. The duo recently premiered a new work with piano trio in San Antonio, Texas, by composer Jack Stamp, and also created a wonderful program with two dancers at University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
Also known for their outstanding teaching skills, DuoJalal offers master classes and clinics for string soloists and ensembles as well as world drumming to both children and adults. Recent master classes were held at Manhattan School of Music, New York University and the Percussive Arts Society’s International Convention. West Liberty University music students will benefit from master classes during the duo’s two-day residency.
Lockwood is currently on faculty at University of Massachusetts/Amherst, previously serving on the faculty at Rutgers University in NJ, Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Music Institute of Chicago, and National Music Camp in Australia. She earned her master’s degree with Donald McInnes at the University of Southern California, and her Bachelor of Music Degree from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music.
Yousif teaches private lessons and classes at his home in New York and has conducted residencies and master classes at top universities including Manhattan School of Music and New York University, the Queensland Conservatorium and National University in Australia. Yousif holds degrees from Yale University and the University of Iowa.
Part of the College of Arts and Communication, the Division of Music at West Liberty University offers undergraduate degrees in music education, music performance and music technology. Among its many ensembles are University Chorus, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Choir, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and the Hilltopper Marching Band. Its award-winning faculty members also are active as performers, clinicians and adjudicators.
Led by President Robin C. Capehart, West Liberty University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, please visit westliberty.edu or call 1.866.WESTLIB.