The NIU Composers’ Concert, Wednesday, March 25 at 7 p.m. in the NIU Recital Hall features the world premiere of David Maki’s “Letters From Norman” for bass-baritone and piano. The text is drawn from letters written by David’s uncle Norman Maki during World War II. Norman was drafted into the US Army just after graduating from high school in 1944. He was killed in action, earning the Bronze Star, four days after his 19th birthday in January 1945 during the Battle of the Bulge. The eight short songs that make up “Letters From Norman” range from humorous to descriptive to heart-breaking.
David Maki is professor of music in the NIU School of Music. The piece will be performed by Sam Handley, coordinator of the voice area in the school, with Maki on piano.
Other works in the concert include Robert Fleischer’s “Five Songs from Carl Sandburg’s Prairie,” Zachary Good’s “Remember Snow” for clarinet, Brian Penkrot’s “Mono No Aware” for video and electronics, and two pierces by Mark Snyder for video, electronics and live instruments titled “Calena” and “Alluvium.”
Tickets are on sale online. They are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, staff and non-NIU students. NIU students are admitted free of charge with a reserved ticket.
