West Liberty University continues its tradition of offering first class concerts to its students and the public with its annual concert series. Clarinetist Robert Spring will perform at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 21, in Elbin Auditorium, located in College Hall. The concert is free and open to the public.

“Robert Spring is an internationally acclaimed clarinetist, having performed hundreds of concerts across the globe. He will be performing a highly colorful and entertaining concert, accompanied by Gail Novak on piano. Please don’t miss this very special event!” said Gerald Lee, associate professor of music.

Spring has been described as “one of this country’s most sensitive and talented clarinetists,” by the Arizona Republic.

A review in Clarinet Magazine said he “dazzled his audience…with flawless technique.” Spring was termed “a formidable soloist … who “played with great emotional life,” by the Politiken newspaper in Denmark.

Spring attended the University of Michigan where he was awarded three degrees, including the Doctor of Musical Arts degree. He also was recently awarded the “Citation of Merit Award” from the School of Music Alumni Society.

Spring has performed as a recitalist or soloist with symphony orchestras and wind bands in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and South America, and has been heard in the United States on National Public Radio’s, “Performance Today.”

He hosted the 1995 International Clarinet Association ClarinetFest at Arizona State University where he is presently professor of clarinet. Spring is also principal clarinet of the ProMusic Chamber Orchestra of Columbus, Ohio.

The annual Concert Series at West Liberty continues to bring the finest musical performance talent that the world has to offer to campus for free public concerts and artist master classes to benefit its students and surrounding communities.

The Division of Music at West Liberty University offers undergraduate degrees in music education, music performance, and music technology. Among its ensembles are University Chorus, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Choir, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and The Hilltopper Marching Band. For more information, please call 304-336-8930 or visit online.