Variety of music events set for spring semester
Article By: Denise Ray
February is the month for music lovers as the University of North Georgia (UNG) begins its spring semester schedule with four performances. The first two will focus on the music of composer, pianist and educator Jane K, whose given name is Evgeniya Kozhevnikova.
The first event highlighting the composer is "A Little Night(hawk) Music Concert," which will be held at the Performing Arts Lobby on UNG's Gainesville Campus at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7.
The other event focused on Jane K’s work is set for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Gloria Shott Performance Hall on the Dahlonega Campus.
"The A Little Night(hawk) Music series started in 2016 on the Gainesville Campus and showcases a combination of UNG music faculty and guest artists with performances ranging from jazz to opera to traditional instrumental and vocal recitals each year,” Dr. Benjamin Schoening, department head and professor of music, said.
The music department asks all people planning to attend any spring semester concerts to register online at the UNG music events webpage, which links to UNG Connect sign-ups for each performance. All performances are free of charge and open to the public.
Jane K composes in various styles and genres, from classical to jazz and tango, tastefully blending them together. In 2020, she released a jazz-tango album "Tango Avenue." She holds two master's degrees, in music composition and music performance, from Western Michigan University. She is working on her doctorate degree in music composition at the University of Florida.
The A Little Night(hawk) Music series started in 2016 on the Gainesville Campus and showcases a combination of UNG music faculty and guest artists with performances ranging from jazz to opera to traditional instrumental and vocal recitals each year.
Dr. Benjamin Schoening
Department head and professor of music
Jane K has been involved with the UNG music department for some time, Vivian Doublestein, staff accompanist, said. Schoening and Doublestein met Jane K at the Research on Contemporary Composition Conference UNG hosted, and they have collaborated on music for a pair of events since then.
Schoening and Doublestein will be performing songs by Edna St. Vincent Millay during both events.
The recitals will also include three piano trio pieces performed by UNG faculty Dr. Esther Morgan-Ellis, Dr. Serena Scibelli and Doublestein.
A set of jazz pieces that Jane has released on "Tango Avenue" will be performed by the UNG faculty jazz ensemble — which includes Dr. Steven Walker, Dr. Bart Walters, Dr. Luca Lombardi, and Scibelli— with the composer at the piano.
The UNG bands will perform at the Dawson County High School Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22.
The Church Choir Festival, a celebration of music provided by area church choirs and the choral ensembles at UNG, will be held at 3 p.m. Feb. 27 at Dahlonega Baptist Church.
The Sinfonietta concert is set for 7:30 p.m. March 3 at the Shott Performance Hall and will include music for string and full orchestra, with the UNG Jazz Band concert at 7:30 p.m. March 8 at the Shott Performance Hall.
Dr. Joanna Kim, assistant department head and professor of music, will lead a group of musicians for the 7:30 p.m. March 7 International Woman's Day Concert, which will mark that month's "A Little Night(hawk) Music Concert."
The performances are geared to those who enjoy and love to listen to music, whether that be from the UNG or greater north Georgia communities, Schoening said, adding that there will be a wide variety of performances with a little something for everyone throughout the semester.
Visit the UNG music events webpage for a full schedule of upcoming concerts.
Concerto/Aria winner earns upcoming solo
Five UNG students placed in the annual Concerto/Aria Competition, with two earning a solo performance in an upcoming concert.
Grads prepare for their next steps
UNG will award almost 1,000 degrees and certificates this fall, and more than 600 graduates are scheduled to take part in the Dec. 7 commencement ceremonies.
Scholarships provide life-changing opportunities
Scholarships have provided life-changing opportunities for UNG students, including performing with and learning from faculty who have performed at Carnegie Hall.
Case, Hines earn first publication
A recent alumnus and a senior have earned their first peer-reviewed publication for a piece studying political rhetoric surrounding the Ukraine-Russia war.