September 24, 2012

The Michigan State University College of Music presents two concerts featuring students and faculty from MSU and China on Fri., October 5, and Sat., October 6, each at 8 p.m. in the newly renovated Cook Recital Hall in the Music Building (333 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing).

Associate Professor of Voice and Area Chair of Vocal Arts Richard Fracker, tenor, and Music Conservatory of China faculty member Haijing Fu, baritone, colleagues from their time at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, established the MSU-China vocal exchange program seven years. American and Chinese voice students spend time in both countries performing and learning about one another’s music and culture.

“The MSU-China exchange has grown immensely in musical quality and mutual friendship since its inception,” said Fracker. “The project has always valued the highest of musical quality. Haijing Fu and I, however, envision the collaboration to be more than singing well. We want students to develop a mutual respect for the great culture both of our nations represent – and to grow and learn from one another.”

“Spending three weeks in a collaborative program with Chinese students, both in China and in the United States, was one of the most incredible and unforgettable experiences I’ve had in my life,” said Elizabeth Hoard, a participant in the program last year. “There seemed to be a mutual understanding of musical goals and performance expectations.”

This year’s exchange features concerts by both faculty members and students in dynamic programs featuring arias, duets, and trios from the great operas as well as traditional Chinese and American song. The student concert will feature more duets between American and Chinese singers than in years past.

“The programs should prove thrilling and touching with a little humor mixed in along the way,” said Fracker. “The audience should leave knowing they witnessed something special – musically and culturally – and definitely [feel] richer inside from the experience.”

Tickets for both MSU-China VII concerts are free for students with ID and anyone under 18. General admission tickets, which are available at the door 30 minutes before the concert begins or online at music.msu.edu, are $10 for adults and $8 for senior citizens (age 60 and older). For more information call 517-353-5340.