Nov 22
Apr 20, 2023
The beauty of the Great Lakes region and the richness of Native American culture throughout it not only form some of the notes that distinguish Lake Superior State University but also strike up the themes for a classical music homage at LSSU’s Arts Center by the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra.
The three-part program, entitled Terra Nostra, celebrating Mother Nature and Indigenous traditions, takes place on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 6:30 PM and is free and open to the public. Tickets required. Also available are $50 VIP tickets that provide priority seating, access to a VIP lounge and cocktail hour, and a meet-and-greet with Dr. Libor Ondras, GLCO’s conductor, and Christophe Chagnard, composer of one of the pieces. Go online to www.lssu.edu/arts-center.
The opening selection, Great Lakes Cantata (2022), by Dr. Gwyneth Walker, traverses each of the Great Lakes landscapes, highlighting their environmental significance.
Spirit Chief Names the Animal People (1992), by Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate, of the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma, recounts the Okanogan Indian story of how Coyote retained his name, given by the Great Spirit Chief.
The final installment, Terra Nostra (2019), by Christophe Chagnard, with poetry by Emily Siff and film by Charlie Spears, explores climate change as a call for preservation of the region’s natural resources.
“This concert will not only entertain but also enlighten,” said LSSU Interim President Dr. Lynn G. Gillette. “Conservationism is one of Lake State’s academic programs. A pillar of LSSU’s strategic plan advances Native American issues. And our Arts Center serves a cultural hub for the region. So we welcome the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra to provide a good time and advance important causes. I’m sure that attendees will both sit back and sit up at this uniquely U.P. undertaking.”