Washington University’s Jazz at Holmes series will present two internationally known musicians in free concerts at 8 p.m. Nov. 6 and 13.
This Thursday, Nov. 6, Austrian pianist Elisabeth Harnik will perform in Holmes Lounge in Ridgley Hall. Though perhaps best known for her improvisations, Harnik also composes chamber music and music for the theater, with recent projects ranging from the opera “Kugelstein” to a libretto from Olga Flor.
Harnik has appeared at major festivals across Europe both as a solo artist and with 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. Numerous honors include composition grants from the Austrian Chancellery and from the Austrian province of Styria.
On Nov. 13, Jazz at Holmes will welcome legendary New York saxophonist David Liebman and the David Liebman Quartet.
Born in Brooklyn, Liebman played with Alton, Ill., native Miles Davis in the 1970s. In 1972, he 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,” said 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.”
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 by professional jazz musicians from around St. Louis and abroad throughout the academic year.
The series is sponsored by the 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.
Both performances are free and open to the public. For more information, call 862-0874 or e-mail staylor@wustl.edu.