Shuffle.Play.Listen.ʼ opens 2013-14 University Series at SFA

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS – Celebrated pianist Christopher OʼRiley and

renowned cellist Matt Haimovitz will bring their talents to Nacogdoches when they

present their collaborative “Shuffle.Play.Listen.” program at 7:30 p.m. Thursday,

Sept. 12, in W.M. Turner Auditorium.

The concert launches the Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Artsʼ

2013-2014 University Series, “Live Out Loud.”

“This is our first show of the new season,” said John W. Goodall, associate dean

of the College of Fine Arts, “and we think it is a great way to begin what promises

to be another exciting and diverse series of quality fine arts performances.”

OʼRiley and Haimovitz join together to explore the lyrical and virtuosic properties

of their instruments in a collaboration that crosses in and out of the classical and

pop music genres. The program showcases the artistsʼ talents as collaborators

and soloists, and audiences will hear works of Bach and Gabrielli, Radiohead

and Arcade Fire, Piazzolla and Stravinsky. A double CD recording, on Oxingale,

was released in the fall of 2011 to rave reviews, according to Baylin Artists

Management.

OʼRiley hosts the popular National Public Radio music program, “From the Top,”

and he has released a set of highly regarded recordings of the music of

Radiohead, Nick Drake and others. He studied with Russell Sherman at the New

England Conservatory of Music.

“Christopher OʼRiley is recognized as one of the leading American pianists of his

generation,” Goodall said, “touring extensively as a recitalist and chamber

musician and appearing with every major orchestra.”

Haimovitz made his debut at 13 as a soloist with Zubin Mehta and the Isreal

Philharmonic. By age 17, he made his first recording for Deutsche Grammophon

with James Levine and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

“He has re-defined what it means to be a classical musician today,” Goodall said,

“bringing concerts of Bach, Golijov and others to clubs and coffee houses across

the country while maintaining a busy schedule of international appearances.”

Prior to the concert, there will be a 7 p.m. informative talk about the artists and

their music to be presented by Dr. Evgeni Raychev, SFA adjunct cello professor,

in Griffith Gallery located across the hall from Turner Auditorium. The audience is

invited back to the gallery for a post-performance reception to meet OʼRiley and

Haimovitz and to honor the eventʼs corporate sponsor, Cataract, Glaucoma &

Retina Consultants of East Texas/Benchmark Optical.