REVIEW: ‘James and the Giant Peach’ Is an Enchanting Odyssey Sure to Enthrall Audiences

Tassels have been turned, but the Oakland University School of Music, Theatre and Dance is busy putting the finishing touches on their latest production — a delightful adaptation by Richard George of Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach coming to the Varner Recital Hall stage on the campus of Oakland University (OU) on Friday, May 17, Sunday, May 19, and Friday, June 7. This particular telling of the tale is directed by Lynnae Lehfeldt, along with recent OU theatre grad Mannon McIntosh … [Read more...]

Oakland University to Present ‘James and the Giant Peach’

James Henry Trotter cannot escape his mean Aunts Spiker and Sponge — or can he? A magical peach may be his answer. Join James and the creatures that he meets on his incredible journey as Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance present James and the Giant Peach on May 17, May 19, June 7 in Varner Recital Hall on the Oakland University (OU) campus. Directed by Lynnae Lehfeldt and based on Richard George’s adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale, James and the Giant Peach is … [Read more...]

Clarinetist Franklin Cohen Joins Aeolus Quartet to Perform at Oakland University

Oakland University to Welcome Aeolus Quartet and Clarinetist Franklin Cohen for January 20 Concert The award-winning Aeolus Quartet will be joined by revered clarinetist Franklin Cohen, former principal of the Cleveland Orchestra, for a concert at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 20 at Varner Recital Hall on the campus of Oakland University (OU). The program features Mozart’s masterful Clarinet Quintet, as well as an early Beethoven Quartet, Op. 18, No. 3 in D major, and American composer … [Read more...]

Oakland University to Present ‘Street Scene,’ an American Opera

An American Opera at Oakland University (OU) Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance will present Street Scene, an American opera based on the 1929 Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name by Elmer Rice, on January 8, 10, 12 and 13 in Varner Recital Hall on OU’s campus. Tickets are $12 for students and $22 for the general public, and can be purchased online at startickets.com. “The play is based on a set of immigrant and first generation families that live in the same … [Read more...]

OU’s World Music, Latin Jazz Concerts to Feature Renowned Violinist Regina Carter

Renowned jazz violinist Regina Carter will be performing as a special guest on Friday, November 30 during the World Music Concert and Saturday, December 1 during the Latin Jazz Concert in Varner Recital Hall on the Oakland University (OU) campus. “When I was a student at OU, the big band director, Marvin ‘Doc’ Holladay, brought in guest musicians including Marcus Belgrave, Lyman Woodard, Ken Cox and Wendell Harrison, to work and perform with us,” said Carter, Oakland University’s … [Read more...]

Cellist Antonio Meneses and Guitarist Paul Galbraith come to Oakland University

October 28 Concert is Part of Series Marking Duo’s First U.S. Appearances The inaugural tour of a new collaboration between Brazilian cellist Antonio Meneses and Scottish guitarist Paul Galbraith is coming to Oakland University on Sunday, October 28 as part of the Chamber Music Society of Detroit’s new Regional Partner series. The duo’s innovative program will include the work that inspired their collaboration — Schubert’s Arpeggione Sonata — plus works by Haydn and three Brazilian … [Read more...]

Zenith Brass Presents a Free Concert at Oakland University

The Zenith Brass, made up of some of the best high school brass and percussion players in the northern suburbs, will perform at Oakland University's Varner Recital Hall at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, May 20. The concert is free and no tickets are required. Members come from 17 schools across Oakland and Macomb counties and are selected by audition. This 23rd annual Spring Concert, entitled “Classics By Brass”, features timeless classics from the wind band, orchestra, solo piano, film score and … [Read more...]

Valentine’s Day Concert with Regina Carter and Xavier Davis

Renowned jazz artists Regina Carter and Xavier Davis will present an evening of Valentine’s Day-inspired tunes beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 14, in Varner Recital Hall on the campus of Oakland University (OU). “I’m very excited to welcome Xavier Davis to my alma mater, and I look forward to sharing the stage with him on Valentine’s Day,” said Carter, OU’s artist-in-residence. Born in Detroit, Carter studied at the Center for Creative Studies and the New England … [Read more...]

Annual David Daniels Young Artists Concert at Oakland University

Young Artists Concert to Feature Oakland Symphony Orchestra Student Performers Four Oakland University (OU) music students will perform with the Oakland Symphony Orchestra (OSO) during the 21st Annual David Daniels Young Artists Concert, which takes place at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 11 in Varner Recital Hall on OU’s campus. The students are the winners of the 2017-2018 Oakland University Concerto Competition and were selected to reprise their performance with the OSO. “The concerto … [Read more...]

‘Martha’ Brings Romance, Comedy and Opera to Oakland University Stage

Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance will present Martha, a romantic comedy opera by Friedrich von Flotow, on January 9, 11, 13 and 14 in Varner Recital Hall. Filled with beautiful music, charming choruses and timeless operatic confusion, Martha tells the tale of Lady Harriet Durham, a maid-of-honor to Queen Anne, and her confidante, Nancy. Bored with court life in the early 1800’s, the pair decides to attend a fair in Richmond, England, where girls hire themselves out … [Read more...]