Celebrated actress and vocalist Audra McDonald to appear in April 17 Pulse concert

Celebrated actress and vocalist Audra McDonald to appear in April 17 Pulse concert April 08, 2005Jaime Winne Alvarez jlwinne@syr.edu

Celebrated artist Audra McDonald will perform a concert, in conjunction with the much-anticipated release of her latest album, “Happy Songs,” in Syracuse University’s Goldstein Auditorium in the Schine Student Center, April 17, at 8 p.m.

The concert is sponsored by Pulse, which provides SU undergraduates with opportunities to attend and participate in artistic programs, performances, exhibitions and events on campus and in the community. Tickets are $8 for students with SU I.D., $10 for SU faculty and staff, and $20 for the general public.

“Audra McDonald’s visit to SU is sure to be an inspirational event for our community. She has transcended many boundaries to become an exceptional talent in the world of theater and music,” says Barry L. Wells, senior vice president and dean of student affairs.

The internationally acclaimed McDonald is a four-time Tony Award winner who was recently honored as best supporting actress in the Broadway revival of “A Raisin in the Sun,” opposite Sean “P. Diddy” Combs. She was Emmy-nominated for her role in HBO’s “Wit.” McDonald, a soprano and acclaimed recital artist, is a noted singer of classical, jazz and gospel music. She recently performed with the Berlin and New York Philharmonics and headlined Jazz at Lincoln Center. Her concert is part of “University as Public Good: Exploring the Soul of Syracuse,” the yearlong exploration designated by Chancellor Nancy Cantor.

“McDonald embodies the vision I hold for each student in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. She has achieved world-renowned prominence because of her devotion to her craft and her work,” says Carole Brzozowski, dean of VPA. “Our students’ exposure to an artist of her caliber will enhance their education, inspiring them to move forward into the world beyond our campus with their dreams.”

Tickets can be purchased by calling the Schine Box Office at (315) 443-4517. Free parking is available in the Waverly, University Place and Q4 lots.

SU’s Pulse was developed nearly 10 years ago as a joint initiative between the Division of Student Affairs and the College of Visual and Performing Arts to influence student culture in positive ways by positioning the arts more prominently as part of the student experience.