MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama School of the Arts (ASOTA) at the University of Mobile will present its annual chamber concert titled “Thinking Together” on Tuesday, April 8, at 7 p.m. in Moorer Auditorium on the university campus. The event will mark the conclusion of the university’s Piano Festival VIII and will feature an evening of diverse musical performances.
The program will showcase original works by ASOTA students Logan Lipke, Trent McGuff and Benjamin Naman, alongside baroque, classical, romantic and contemporary music selections. The concert is a highlight for students and attendees alike, promising an inspiring experience.
Artistry in Collaboration
“The nature of composing itself is such a solitary act,” said Benjamin Naman, a junior studying music composition. “But the artistry in collaboration is one of the greatest delights in composing.”
Rebecca Reed, a master’s student in piano performance, emphasized the value of collaboration in chamber music. “It challenges me to be a better musician and has helped me form amazing bonds with other musicians that I wouldn’t have had otherwise,” Reed said.
Kenn Hughes, associate dean of ASOTA’s Roger Breland Center for Performing Arts, highlighted the unique qualities of chamber music.
“Unlike symphonic music, chamber music demands a high level of interaction and collaboration. There’s a level of spontaneity and shared creativity that makes the experience so rewarding,” Hughes said.
Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva, director of piano studies, professor of music and Steinway Artist, added that the experience teaches students to “listen, adapt and create together.”
Talented Students Featured
The concert will feature a talented lineup of 16 student performers, including:
- Christopher Conger, violin
- Ellie Powell, clarinet
- Rebecca Reed, violin
- Zarina Akayeva, piano
- Kaylee Whitson, flute
- Samuel Werry, cello
- Benjamin Naman, composer
- Marc Marquis, piano
- Alison Strunk, violin
- Zhanel Saiyn-Turubayeva, piano
- Logan Lipke, composer
- Trent McGuff, composer
- Andrew Sandlin, trombone
- Britain Lord, voice
- Marabella Wilmouth, piano
- Nicholas Lewis, piano
The evening’s program will include pieces such as George Handel’s “Sonata for Violin and Piano in D Major,” Benjamin Naman’s original composition “1934,” Trent McGuff’s original composition “Ellipsis,” Logan Lipke’s original composition “Seed of the Woman,” and Alfred Schnittke’s “Suite in the Old Style for Violin and Piano, Op. 80.”
For more information, visit umobile.edu/asotaseason. To learn about the University of Mobile and opportunities to be part of the Alabama School of the Arts, visit umobile.edu/um-info.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
Baleigh Essary is the Content Creator for the Office for Marketing and Public Relations at the University of Mobile. Baleigh earned a Bachelors of Science in Management along with a minor in Graphic Design from UM in December of 2023. Baleigh is an active member and volunteer at More Life Church in Grand Bay. She is an avid photographer, and you will always find her with her Owala in one hand and caffeine in the other. One thing about Baleigh is that when she travels, 99% of the time it will be to visit her home-away-from-home, DISNEY!