Christopher Kelts Archives - Reynolds College Blog

The Missouri State University Symphony Orchestra performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City June 13, 2024, with Dr. Christopher Kelts conducting.

Woman and man hug after music performance — Missouri State alum Jiyeon Lee shares a hug with conductor Dr. Christopher Kelts after performing “Rhapsody in Blue.”

The program included Leonard Bernstein’s “Overture to ‘Candide,’” emeritus professor Dr. John Prescott’s “Adagio from Baroque Concerto, Op. 77a” and Florence Price’s “‘Adoration’ for String Orchestra.”

In addition, the orchestra performed George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” accompanied by solo pianist Jiyeon Lee.

Lee, a Missouri State alum, studied with Dr. Hye-Jung Hong, associate professor in the Department of Music.

“Carnegie Hall is one of the most prestigious venues in the world for music, and it was so exciting to hear our own MSU Symphony students perform there,” said Dr. Paula Patterson, head of the music department.

“The University Symphony performed superbly,” Kelts said.

According to Patterson, several individuals connected with Missouri State attended the performance. These included music faculty, parents, alumni, former MSU president Clif Smart and Dean Shawn Wahl of the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (RCASH).

The MSU Grand Chorus and MSU Symphony Orchestra will join forces to perform the annual President’s Concert Sunday, April 28 at 3:30 p.m. at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.

The concert is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required.

A long-standing, end-of-year tradition

Conducted by Dr. Cameron LaBarr, Clif and Gail Smart professor in music and director of choral studies, the annual President’s Concert is a long-standing, end-of-year tradition presented by the Department of Music.

The orchestra is prepared by Dr. Chris Kelts, director of orchestral studies, and the choirs are prepared by Dr. Erin Plisco, associate director of choral studies, and LaBarr.

“Seeing and hearing the caliber of musicians on stage creating beautiful music together is truly amazing,” LaBarr said. “It is one of my favorite events of the year.”

This also will be Clif Smart’s final President’s Concert to sponsor as president of MSU.

President Clif Smart stands at podium with orchestra on stage — President Clif Smart speaks at the 2016 President’s Concert performed that year at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City. Photo credit: Bob Linder, Missouri State University.

Soloists have special connections to MSU

This year’s concert will feature four soloists: Kara Ann McBain (soprano), Caitlin Moore (mezzo-soprano), Brandon Michael Nase (tenor) and Jared Swope (baritone).

Each soloist has a special connection to MSU, according to LaBarr.

McBain is a graduate of MSU who studied voice with Dr. Carol Chapman and sang in the MSU Chorale, LaBarr said. She has recorded commercially as a soloist on two of the Chorale’s albums.

Swope is a graduate of MSU who studied with Dr. Chris Thompson and also sang in the MSU Chorale. He has completed graduate degrees at University of Notre Dame and Yale University and now sings professionally around the world.

Nase is currently serving as guest artist in the Department of Music for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Moore and LaBarr met when LaBarr was a faculty member at Lee University. Moore sang professionally in the Tennessee Chamber Chorus, which LaBarr conducted at the time. Moore is now at Colorado Mesa University. [Read more…] about President’s Concert on April 28 to feature masterwork performances