Menu of French musical treats

 

The performers describe Les Melodies Francaises as a playful variety of French art songs. The recital takes place at 2 p.m. in von Kuster Hall, the Music Building at Western and is free to the public.

 

An experienced artist, Lancaster has performed roles with opera companies throughout North America and is well known as a gifted recitalist. He holds a doctorate in vocal performance and teaches at the University of Notre Dame.

Also a distinguished performer, Herrington holds a doctorate in collaborative piano and is an assistant professor at Western. She obtained her master’s degree at Western, studying with John Hess. She has performed with singers such as Elly Ameling and Edith Wiens.

Scott Brubacher, also a Western alumnus, wrote a new piece to complement the French program. Amour immaculé shows the influence of 20th century French composers Olivier Messiaen and Henri Dutilleux, both in harmonic language and piano textures, said Brubacher. The text is by French Canadian poet Emile Nelligan.