WSCL Celebration of Music Scheduled Saturday, May 15

SALISBURY, MD---Musical stargazers have reason to celebrate Saturday, May 15, when Salisbury University’s public radio station, WSCL, presents its ninth annual Celebration of Music at 7 p.m. in Holloway Hall Auditorium. A reception follows. This year’s festival spotlights 14 classical music performances including singers, pianists, a violinist, a cellist, a brass ensemble and a hand bell choir. All are regional performers, ranging from professionals who have appeared with nationally renowned orchestras and opera companies to some of the area’s most talented young musicians beginning their careers. Five are from Delaware, including soprano Rebecca Hale of Ocean View, contralto Kerry Ann Erickson of Wilmington, baritone Gerald Birl of Lewes, soprano Charlotte Freeman of Newark and tenor Michael Thompson of Dover, who has sung with the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The Salisbury area is represented by pianist Veronica Knier. Her husband, Lee, performs with the Eastern Shore Brass Ensemble, which includes musicians who have appeared with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Doc Severinsen, The Supremes, Bill Cosby, the Glenn Miller Orchestra and the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra at SU. Lee Knier is an adjunct faculty member with the Department of Music at SU. Other Salisbury artists include sopranos Jamie Lynn Gaul, Shiloh Wersen and the Carillon Bell Choir of Asbury United Methodist Church. Soprano Beth Holder is planning a program of spirituals. Pianist Karol Malik, who returns from last year’s Celebration, performs Chopin. Pianist Kimberly Weber, who has been involved with the WSCL classical music festival since its inception in 1996, serves as staff accompanist. From Elkton, MD, on the Upper Eastern Shore, cellist Brandon Cota, presents a work by Bach. Royal Oak, MD, violinist Willoughby Buxton, performs a concerto by Vivaldi. The concert is free. Admission to the reception is $5. The public is cordially invited to both events. To order tickets or for more information call 410-543-6985.