Jazz at Holmes presents internationally known artists Nov. 6 and 13

Washington University’s Jazz at Holmes Series will present two internationally known musicians in free concerts Nov. 6 and 13.

The Nov. 6 performance will feature Austrian pianist Elisabeth Harnik. Though perhaps best known for her improvisations, Harnik also composes chamber music and for the theater, with recent projects including the opera “Kugelstein,” to a libretto from Olga Flor. Harnik has appeared at major festivals across Europe, both as a solo artist and with her two eclectic ensembles, All Ears Area and Disparate Bodies. Her solo piano CD “irrt, irrt das ohr” was released on the Extraplatte label in 2005. Her numerous honors include composition grants from the Austrian Chancellery and from the province of Styria.

On Nov. 13 Jazz at Holmes will welcome legendary New York saxophonist David Liebman and his Quartet. Born in Brooklyn, Liebman played with Alton, IL, native Miles Davis in the 1970s and in 1972 recorded the celebrated album “Live at the Lighthouse” with Elvin Jones, John Coltrane’s drummer. He later toured with Chick Corea and in 1981 formed his own group, Quest, which toured and recorded extensively over the next decade. His current quartet features bassist Tony Marino, drummer Marko Marcinko and guitarist Vic Juris.

“Liebman’s interaction with fellow saxophonist Steve Grossman and their band leader set the tone for post-Coltranian jazz sax playing that continues to awe contemporary jazz musicians,” noted Jerome Camal, a doctoral candidate in musicology in the Department of Music in Arts & Sciences, who has played for Liebman. “In the jazz saxophone world, Liebman is also recognized as one of the instrument’s greatest educators. His book Developing a Personal Saxophone Sound has introduced sound production concepts to musicians around the world.”

Both performances are free and open to the public and take place from 8 to 10 p.m. in Holmes Lounge, located in Ridgley Hall, on the western side of Brookings Quadrangle. For more information, call (314) 862-0874 or email staylor@wustl.edu.

In addition, at 3 p.m. Nov. 13 Liebman will host a performance/master class and at 4 p.m. will lecture on “Improvisation, Aesthetics and World View.” Both events are sponsored by the Department of Music and take place in Room 102 of the Music Classroom Building, 6500 Forsyth Blvd.

Launched in 1996, Jazz at Holmes features relaxed, coffeehouse-style concerts with professional jazz musicians from around St. Louis and abroad most Thursday evenings throughout the academic year. The series is sponsored by Washington University’s College of Arts & Sciences, Office of Residential Life, Student Union, University College and Summer School, Congress of the South 40, Office of Student Activities, New Student Orientation, Department of Music, Greek Life Office, Annika Rodriguez Scholars Program, Community Service Program, Event Services and Michael Cannon, executive vice chancellor and general counsel.

In addition, Harnick’s appearance is co-sponsored by the Austrian Consulate General of Chicago and the Austrian Society of St. Louis.