On Saturday, Nov. 7, Carthage College will fill its campus with live classical music for the benefit of the Kenosha area. At 1 p.m., graduate student Chenyang Li will present her recital, “The Perfect Detour: Leaving, Loving, Landing,” in the H.F. Johnson Recital Hall. Later, at 7:30 p.m., viola instructor Michael Hall will perform the world‑premiere concerto “Krakatoa,” written for him by living composer Stacy Garrop, with the Carthage Philharmonic in A.F. Siebert Chapel.
“Krakatoa” Concerto Highlights Modern Composition
Hall first introduced Garrop’s three‑movement work to audiences in 2018 with the Bandung Philharmonic Orchestra in Indonesia, and he has since taken the piece to venues around the globe. The concerto dramatizes the 1883 eruption of the Indonesian volcano Krakatoa, an event that altered weather patterns, inspired Impressionist painters, and left a lasting mark on human history. Garrop herself will attend the Carthage performance, underscoring the college’s commitment to presenting music by living composers.
Hall says he is thrilled to bring this 21st‑century work to the Carthage community and to expose students to new harmonic language and performance techniques. Under the baton of Professor Ed Kawakami, director of orchestral studies, the Carthage Philharmonic will accompany Hall, offering students hands‑on experience with contemporary repertoire.
Graduate Recital Showcases Musical‑Theatre Talent
Graduate student Chenyang Li, pursuing a Master of Music in Musical Theatre Vocal Pedagogy (class of 2027), will perform 13 songs from the musical‑theatre canon in her recital “The Perfect Detour.” Pianist Linda Madonia will provide accompaniment, while stage direction is handled by Keyi Zhang. The program highlights Li’s growing artistry and offers a glimpse of the next generation of musical‑theatre professionals.
Both events are free and open to the public; no tickets are required. For those unable to attend in person, the Carthage Philharmonic concert will be livestreamed on the college’s VPA YouTube channel. Additional details, including the full program for each performance, are available on Carthage’s event pages.
Plan Your Day of Music
With the recital at 1 p.m. and the concerto at 7:30 p.m., music lovers can enjoy both performances on the same day without leaving campus. Visitors staying for the evening can head directly from the recital hall to A.F. Siebert Chapel for the Philharmonic concert.
These free cultural offerings reflect Carthage College’s dedication to enriching the Kenosha community through the arts, providing high‑quality musical experiences that are accessible to all.
Original reporting: Kenosha.com — read the source article.
