Archives for November 2024

MSU’s Michelle Harvey designs sets for “Le Nozze di Figaro”

November 24, 2024 by Damilola R. Oyedeji

Woman smiling in formal picture. — Michelle Harvey.

Missouri State University’s Michelle Harvey traveled to Aspen, Colorado, in August to design the sets for “Le Nozze di Figaro” (“The Marriage of Figaro”) at the Aspen Music Festival and School.

Harvey is an assistant professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance.

“Le Nozze di Figaro,” a comic opera in four acts by Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, was staged in Aspen’s 135-year-old Wheeler Opera House.

Harvey explained that she first learned about the Aspen opportunity after production manager Matt Grevan asked her to submit her portfolio. This was then shared with the festival’s artistic director and production director, and Harvey was selected for the position.

Harvey previously worked with Grevan at the Dallas Children’s Theater, and he was her former student at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Project required multiple settings

The production team began collaborating in March 2024, with Harvey working alongside Grevan, director Sara Erde and other designers. Erde is a regular choreographer and director for the Met in New York City.

The team decided to set the opera in 1930s Spain during the Second Spanish Republic.

“The goal was to portray the opulent estate of Count Almaviva in the Andalusian countryside outside of Seville,” Harvey said. “The director’s concept involved a set that could disguise itself the same way the characters do, using transformations and rotations to create multiple settings.”

However, the limited stage space at the opera house caused design challenges.

“The stage had no fly loft and limited wing space, so moving set pieces was restricted,” Harvey said. [Read more…] about MSU’s Michelle Harvey designs sets for “Le Nozze di Figaro”

Fall 2024 BFA in Art Senior Exhibition on view through Dec. 9

November 22, 2024 by Reynolds College

Missouri State University’s Department of Art and Design will host the Fall 2024 BFA in Art Senior Exhibition Nov. 18-22 and Dec. 6-9 in the Brick City Gallery. The exhibit will end with the First Friday Art Walk Dec. 6 from 6-9 p.m.

The Fall 2024 exhibition showcases the dedication and creativity of art and design’s graduating seniors. Visitors can engage with artworks from a wide range of disciplines, including drawing, sculpture, metals, new media and photography.

The department invites the public to join them in celebrating the achievements of these talented artists.

The Brick City Gallery is located at 215 West Mill Street. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Program transforms students into artists

“This group has a unique mix of interests and goals, which is reflected in the variety of media and themes in their work,” said Sarah Williams, professor of art and instructor for the BFA Studio Art capstone course. “For many, this is their first major exhibition, making it a truly pivotal moment in their artistic careers. It’s inspiring to see them bring together everything they’ve learned over the past years.”

Williams explained that the capstone experience is designed not only as a culmination of the students’ academic journey but also as preparation for future professional or personal growth. Students develop skills beyond their studio practice, such as time management, financial literacy and understanding the logistics of an exhibition, she said.

“This course helps them transition from being students to emerging artists ready to contribute to the world,” Williams said.

Art exhibit of sculptures resembling copper. — Some of the work of Amber Dudenhoeffer, a Fall 2024 BFA artist, on view in the exhibition.

Model UN launches competitive season at ACMUN/OKMUN conference

November 20, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Members of Missouri State University’s Model United Nations (Model UN) attended the 2024 joint Arkansas Collegiate Model United Nations (ACMUN) / Oklahoma Model United Nations (OKMUN) Conference Nov. 2.

Over 20 MSU students served as Model UN delegates in the following councils: United Nations General Assembly First Committee (GA1), Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and Council of the Arab League (AL).

The conference, hosted by Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, promotes collaborative learning and research in pursuit of solving prominent international issues such as cybersecurity and the HIV/AIDS pandemic, said Dr. Ashley Leinweber.

Leinweber is the Model UN faculty advisor and is an associate professor in the Department of Political Science and Philosophy at Missouri State.

In addition to serving as faculty advisor since 2013, Leinweber helped form MSU’s current Model UN chapter. A previous organization, the World Affairs Council (WAC), was disbanded around 2010, Leinweber said.

First competition of the season a big success

This was the first Model UN competition for the MSU team this academic year, Leinweber said. It was also the first time MSU had attended the ACMUN/OKMUN conference.

“We were unsure what to expect,” Leinweber added. “The fact that two of our students won awards was very impressive.” Typically, the teams participates in 1-3 competitions a year.

“We always attend the four-day Midwest Model United Nations conference in St. Louis in February,” Leinweber said. “We are hoping to raise enough funds one day to attend other conferences, especially the National Model United Nations held at the UN Headquarters in New York.”

Meanwhile, for the past two years MSU has hosted the Great Plains Model Arab League conference and will host it again in April 2025.

Women’s Chorus fundraising campaign in full swing through Nov. 30

November 18, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

The Missouri State University Women’s Chorus recently launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for its first international concert tour.

The tour launches in May 2025 and covers five cities throughout Germany and the Czech Republic.

“This concert tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to travel and share their music with international audiences and to engage with international choirs and conductors,” said Dr. Erin Plisco, associate director of choral studies and associate professor in the Department of Music.

The fundraising campaign runs through Nov. 30 and has set an initial goal of $25,000. Funds will be used to defray travel costs, Plisco said.

Currently, over 80 students participate in the chorus.

Hard work brings increased national recognition

Founded in 2014, MSU’s Women’s Chorus has achieved national prominence and has steadily increased its number of invited performances at state, regional and national conferences, Plisco noted.

Plisco assumed direction of the chorus in 2018.

“Our students are dedicated and hardworking,” she continued. “The group rehearses for 50 minutes, three times per week, and gives several performances on and off campus throughout the year.”

As one example of the group’s dedication and growing prestige, Plisco cited their blind invitation to the 2023 American Choral Directors Association.

“Receiving an invitation to perform at the national ACDA conference is considered by many in the choral field as the height of achievement in choral ensemble performance in the United States,” Plisco explained. “It is a highly competitive and coveted honor that not many conductors and choirs experience in their lifetime.”

Audiences can view several of the ensemble’s performances through the MSU Choral Studies Youtube platform. The group plans to record and release six more videos this year, Plisco said.

MSU Chorale to present “The Sounding Joy” holiday concert Dec. 8

November 18, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

The Missouri State University Chorale will present “The Sounding Joy,” 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, at Christ Episcopal Church, 601 E. Walnut St., Springfield.

Tickets are $20. Seating is limited.

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An “enchanting concert” for the holidays

The Chorale will perform under the direction of Dr. Cameron LaBarr, Clif and Gail Smart Professor in Music and director of choral studies.

LaBarr said this year’s concert showcases several Christmas-related selections from sixteenth-century texts and melodies, arranged to “familiar and beloved” carols.

“With a wide range of composers, arrangers and styles, it is sure to be a heart-warming musical experience,” he said.

The church’s atmosphere adds to the festive nature of the concert, LaBarr added.

“One of the unique aspects of this particular concert is the intimacy of the space at Christ Episcopal Church,” he said.

Event creates lasting memories

Kenny Kabak is Christ Episcopal Church’s Director of Music and Youth Ministries. He described last year’s Chorale performance as “one of the most memorable musical events in Christ Church’s recent history.”

“A packed audience filled the sanctuary, captivated by the singers’ expressive delivery and stunning musicianship,” Kabak recalled. “The Chorale’s inspired performance left a lasting impression, reminding us of the power of music to unite and uplift.”

“We are thrilled to be an integral part of the arts in the community, and this has quickly become an absolute highlight of the year,” LaBarr said.