Local composers offer original works

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The New Music Society and the Dana Composers Ensemble, directed by Robert Rollin, will present a macabre concert at 8 p.m. tonight at Bliss Recital Hall featuring works by local composers.

The concert is free and open to the public. Bliss Hall is on Wick Avenue, across from the Butler art museum, on the Youngstown State University campus.

The spooky pieces include several student compositions. “Walk Into My Parlor, Said the Spider to the Fly,” a setting of the Mary Howitt poem, will be sung by its composer, YSU senior Carol Ann Smolka, with senior Sarah Kramer on flute and Rollin, piano. Smolka also will be represented by “A Cat’s Tale,” performed by graduate student Nathan Welch, oboe, and Rollin, piano. Mary Grace Costello’s “The Boo Ghost” will be played by oboist Welch; and sophomore Samantha Hogan, trombone; with the composer as narrator. New Music Guild member Richard Zacharias will hear the premiere of his piano piece, “Anything,” performed by junior Brandon Loewit. Zacharias’ duet, “Unassuming,” also will be played by oboist Welch, and senior Deidre Nuss, bassoon. Guest artists Corinne Morini, soprano, adjunct Dana faculty; and Dana accompanist Anthony Ruggiero will present faculty Rollin’s “Three Songs on Poems by Emily Dickinson.” The work was commissioned by Morini. Rollin also will be represented by his solo violin work “Canto in Memoriam,” performed by Gwyneth Rollin. Sarah Kramer’s “On the Shores of Ireland” will receive its world premiere with the composer on flute; Mellissa Gapsky, clarinet; and Robert Rollin, piano. Pianist James Kenezetic will perform Samantha Hogan’s “Cumulus Humilis.”

For more information, call 330-941-3636.