British countertenor Ryland Angel sings in Saul under the baton of Graeme Jenkins. (Photo by Michael Clements)
British countertenor Ryland Angel sings in Saul under the baton of Graeme Jenkins. (Photo by Michael Clements)

Since it opened in February 1999 as the College of Music’s premier venue, the Murchison Performing Arts Center has been host to countless world-class performances by students, faculty and guest artists.

Two special performances marked the month-long celebration of the center’s 10th anniversary this spring. Dallas Opera music director Graeme Jenkins opened the festivities with Handel’s oratorio Saul, featuring renowned UNT music faculty, the UNT Baroque Orchestra, Collegium Singers and A Cappella Choir. The collaboration was the fourth between the UNT early music program and Jenkins to present Handel’s works. The anniversary celebration concluded with the famed Dave Brubeck Quartet, conducted by alumnus Russell Gloyd (’71), in a sold-out performance with the UNT Symphony Orchestra, UNT Grand Chorus and One O’Clock Lab Band. Members of the quartet taught master classes and stayed in town to deliver another sold-out show.

 

 

 

Conductor Russell Gloyd ('71) and Dave Brubeck take a bow after one of two sold-out performances. (Photo by Michael Clements)
Conductor Russell Gloyd ('71) and Dave Brubeck take a bow after one of two sold-out performances. (Photo by Michael Clements)

DVDs of the Brubeck performances are available through the College of Music at 940-565-2791 or fill out and mail the online form.

Check for upcoming Murchison events.