SU’s Pulse performing arts series announces 2008-09 season; includes performances by nationally recognized acts Rockapella, Garth Fagan Dance and Idina Menzel

SU’s Pulse performing arts series announces 2008-09 season; includes performances by nationally recognized acts Rockapella, Garth Fagan Dance and Idina MenzelSeptember 02, 2008Jaime Winne Alvarezjlwinne@syr.edu

The 2008-09 season of Syracuse University’s Pulse performing arts series features a selection of free events in addition to ticketed concerts by nationally recognized performers. Season highlights include an SU Family Weekend concert by pop-a cappella musical group Rockapella (“Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?”), a Black History Month performance by Rochester-based dance company Garth Fagan Dance and a Women’s History Month concert by Tony Award-winning actress and singer Idina Menzel (Broadway’s “Wicked”).

Pulse, presented by SU’s Division of Student Affairs, provides SU undergraduates and, in turn, the Central New York community with out-of-classroom opportunities to attend and participate in programs, performances, exhibitions and events in the performing and visual arts.

“As Syracuse University students explore the arts in the classroom, the Pulse program continues that exploration in many and various venues. It is a wonderful opportunity for students and their families to enrich their SU experience by witnessing the power of the arts to change the world around us,” says Thomas V. Wolfe, interim senior vice president and dean of student affairs.

Ticket prices for Pulse performances (with the exception of free events and Family Weekend promotions) are $5 for students with valid SU I.D.; $15 for SU faculty, staff, alumni and Pulse partners; and $20 for the general public. Tickets can be purchased at the Schine Student Center Box Office. For more information, call (315) 443-4517.

“From Sonnets to Spirituals” with soprano Anita JohnsonSunday, Sept. 21, at 2 p.m.Hendricks ChapelFree admission; no tickets requiredPaid parking in the Irving Garage

The performance is a joint presentation of Pulse, the Malmgren Concert Series, the 2008 Syracuse Symposium and The College of Arts and Sciences, in collaboration with the Office of Alumni Relations. Award-winning soprano Johnson will perform settings of Michelangelo sonnets by Schubert, Wolff and Britten. The program also includes a generous offering of heartwarming spirituals. The concert is part of “Rethinking Michelangelo,” a series of lectures, concerts and special events that complements “Michelangelo: The Man and the Myth,” an unprecedented exhibition at the SUArt Galleries now through Oct. 19. For more information, visit http://michelangelo.syr.edu.

Syracuse Symphony Orchestra (SSO)Monday, Oct. 13, at 8 p.m. Rose and Jules R. Setnor Auditorium, Crouse CollegeFree admission; no tickets requiredFree parking in the Irving Garage; patrons should alert the attendant that they are on campus for Pulse-SSO

The SSO, under the direction of Daniel Hege, will perform a program that includes Haydn, Wagner, Copland, Bernstein and Larsen. The performance is also supported by Syracuse Symposium. The SSO, Central and Northern New York’s fully professional resident orchestra, performs 200 full-orchestra and chamber ensemble concerts throughout the region during its 39-week season.

Rockapella Sunday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m. Goldstein Auditorium, Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student CenterTickets required; limit one ticket per SU student; $15 family tickets available Free parking in Waverly, Marion, Lehman and Harrison lots

Certifiably unique pop-a cappella musical group Rockapella will perform as part of SU Family Weekend. Often imitated but never duplicated, Rockapella has been seen and heard on television over the years, including in numerous national commercials, talk shows and for five seasons as regular on-camera comic relief, soundtrack and theme-song crooners on the award-winning PBS program “Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?” The original quartet, a group of Brown University alumni, was formed for the sheer love of performing. The five-man powerhouse-whose sound has become an infectious blend of soul, rock, R&B and jazz-has advanced across the United States, selling out shows, recording CDs and appearing on radio and television everywhere. The undisputed kings of contemporary a cappella music, Rockapella continues to offer proof of their boundless ability to inspire and attract devoted fans, both new and old.

Garth Fagan Dance Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, at 8 p.m.Tickets requiredGoldstein Auditorium, Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center Free parking in Lehman and Harrison lots

The Rochester-based dance company will perform in celebration of Black History Month. Now in its 37th season, Garth Fagan Dance has been cited for excellence and originality with a New York Governor’s Arts Award. The company’s distinctive movement quality comes from years of training in “Fagan Technique,” the teaching method company founder and artistic director Garth Fagan developed hand in hand with his own dance vocabulary when he formed the ensemble in 1970. The technique draws on many sources, including ballet, modern, Afro-Caribbean and post-modern dance styles. Five winners of “Bessie” Awards (New York Performance Awards) have graced company ranks, including Fagan, Norwood Pennewell, Steve Humphrey, Natalie Rogers and Sharon Skepple.

Idina MenzelThursday, March 19, at 8 p.m.Goldstein Auditorium, Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student CenterTickets requiredFree parking in Lehman and Harrison lots

The Tony Award-winning actress and singer will perform in concert in recognition of Women’s History Month. The performance is co-sponsored by UEncounter. Menzel reached Broadway superstardom in two career-defining roles: her Tony Award-winning performance originating the role of Elphaba, future Wicked Witch of the West, in the musical blockbuster “Wicked” and her Tony-nominated performance originating the role of Maureen Johnson in the revolutionary musical “Rent.” Recent film credits include Disney’s romantic fable “Enchanted,” “Rent” and “Ask the Dust.” She recently released the solo album “I Stand,” a powerful collection of songs penned by the actress-singer-songwriter. Menzel has been inspired by artists Bette Midler and Barbra Streisand-triple threat performers who have conquered stage and film and have also found success as recording artists. Her performance at SU provides her ultimate challenge: a solo artist singing her own songs.

Pulse is a model program recognized for quality, diversity, innovation and collaboration that celebrates and expands the cultural climate of SU by programming the best offerings of local arts organizations, paired with performances by internationally renowned visiting artists. The performing arts series seeks to raise the caliber of SU’s cultural programming while increasing the number of participating students. For more information, visit http://students.syr.edu/pulse.