Esbenshade Series
Established through a generous gift in 1980, the series is endowed by the Frederica G. Esbenshade Memorial Fund to bring lectures, performing artists, and programs in the humanities to the Marietta community.
All events are free and open to the public.
Esbenshade 2009-2010
UpBeat Brass
Wednesday, October 7, 2009, McDonough Auditorium, 7:30pm
UpBeat Brass is one of a kind in every way. With a signature sound that makes just five players seem like a big band — no other group has their combination of sax, brass and drums. UpBeat Brass is a fun loving band that makes each performance an event to be remembered. Energetic and rhythmically vibrant with charisma that is simply awesome.
Ensemble Schumann
Tuesday, October 27, 2009, McDonough Auditorium, 7:30pm
This colorful combination of instruments brings together three outstanding artists for lively programs of works by such composers as Robert Schumann, Johannes Brahms, Camille Saint-Saens, Francis Poulenc, Dmitri Shostakovich, Benjamin Britten, and Cesar Franck. The members of Ensemble Schumann have collectively performed at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall in New York City, at Jordan Hall in Boston, Wigmore Hall in London, at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, and at the Tanglewood, Ravinia, Lucerne, Spoleto and Mostly Mozart Festivals.
Quink Vocal Ensemble
Thursday, February 11, 2009, McDonough Auditorium, 7:30pm
It was after a successful debut at the Holland Festival that Quink quickly emerged as a stunning and unique ensemble. They are a remarkable group of five Dutch singers whose special style has helped establish their reputation as a group that captivates its audiences with expressive a cappella programs of a varied and beautiful repertoire. The current members of Quink, who are also experienced soloists, find themselves at home in many areas of the a cappella repertoire, performing music from different periods in authentic style. Their vast repertoire of a cappella music includes music from early Renaissance to music of our own time.
Orchid Ensemble
Tuesday, March 30, 2010, McDonough Auditorium, 7:30pm
Established in 1997, the Orchid Ensemble blends ancient musical instruments and traditions from China and beyond, creating a beautiful new sound. The ensemble has embraced a variety of musical styles to its repertoire, ranging from the traditional and contemporary music of China, World Music, New Music to Jazz and Creative Improvisation. The energetic yet endearing performance style of the ensemble consistently intrigues and delights its audiences and has been acclaimed as ’one of the brightest blossoms on the world music scene.’ The performance will feature a special guest appearance by the Marietta College Women’s Choir.
Qiu Xiaolong
Thursday, April 15, 2010, McDonough Auditorium, 7:30pm
Join the Esbenshade series for an evening with novelist and poet, Qiu Xiaolong. Born in Shanghai, China, he is the author of the award-winning Inspector Chen series of mystery novels, Death of a Red Heroine (2000), A Loyal Character Dancer (2002), When Red Is Black (2004), A Case of Two Cities (2006), Red Mandarin Dress (2007), and The Mao Case (2009). He is also the author of two books of poetry translations, Treasury of Chinese Love Poems (2003) and Evoking T'ang (2007), and his own poetry collection, Lines Around China (2003). Qiu's books have sold over a million copies and have been published in twenty languages. This event is offered as part of Marietta College’s 4th Undergraduate Asian Studies Symposium.