10/10/18
HAYS, Kan. – The second annual Fort Hays State University New Music Festival, presented by the university’s Department of Music and Theatre, will be Friday, Nov. 2, and Saturday, Nov. 3, at the university.

The concluding event, “An Evening of the Music of Dr. Paul Rudy,” will begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall on the FHSU campus. Complimentary tickets will be available in the lobby 30 minutes prior to the concert or in advance at the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Rudy (b. 1962) is a Rome Prize (2010), Guggenheim (2008), Fulbright (1997) and Wurlitzer Foundation (2007 and 2009) Fellow. He has been called “The High Priest of Sound” and “Sage.”

“In addition to composing instrumental and electronic art, he practices sacred sound, sound immersion and sound healing, and leads meditations,” said Dr. Kristin Pisano, associate professor of music and director of the New Music Festival at FHSU.

“His music and sonic art balance conservatory training with shamanic practices, subtle energies and technology, each of which guide his intuitive performances and compositions, bridging science and spirituality,” said Pisano.

As part of the New Music Festival, Rudy will give a lecture at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, in the university’s Malloy Hall, room 115. The lecture is free and open to the public.

The evening performance on Saturday will include the world premiere of Rudy’s “Arise!,” which was commissioned by the FHSU New Music Ensemble, a group of FHSU music faculty who share a passion for the music of living composers.

Other works on the program include “Peacefully,” performed by the FHSU Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Terry Crull, associate professor of music, and “Grandchild of Tree,” performed by Rudy on electronics and cactus.

“Yes,” said Pisano. “Cactus!”

One aim of the annual FHSU New Music Festival is to engage, educate and inform the community about new music.

“We are excited that Dr. Paul Rudy, a Curators’ Professor and coordinator of composition at the University of Missouri at the Kansas City Conservatory, will serve as composer in residence for the 2018 festival,” said Pisano.

“Works will be performed on the upcoming Nov. 3 concert that are unlike anything the Hays community has heard before. It will be an evening of diverse and exciting music, and will introduce audiences to a truly unique musical experience.”