Part 1: The third Artspree concert of 2015-2016 brings the Stallard-Eller-Kompass trio from the University of South Carolina. Just before pianist Lynn Kompass and I were to tape the following interview, the trio became a duo. The group’s soprano had an unexpected conflict. However, all three members have considerable careers as soloists, over and above their many faculty commitments, and so they had back up plans.
Pianist Lynn Komapss and clarinetist Joseph Eller of the Stallard-Eller-Kompass Trio play the Artspree series March 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall at UALR.
Part 2: The third Arkansas Symphony INC concert promises to continue the introduction of works not often heard with A Touch of Christmas, Respighi’s 3rd Ancient Arts and Dances and a Vivaldi guitar concerto with an outstanding soloist. Lily Afshar grew up in Iran, came to the US when she was 17. Always the guitar has been her instrument, from Persian folk music – such as we are hearing, to a lifelong passion. Over the years she has met the great guitarists, been coached by the greatest, has seven recordings, won awards, taken every chance offered to excel in her field, is sought by contemporary classical composers to play their works and was awarded a distinguished alumni by Boston Conservatory where she began her US studies. She is head of the guitar program at the University of Memphis and is always seeking new adventures with her guitar, yet she still returns to the poetry of Persia for inspiration.
Afshar is the featured soloist in the next ASO INC, March 10 at 7 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Cathedral in North Little Rock.
Part 3: Joe Graves has given the Arkansas Rep some of its most dramatic and satisfying memories. He’s in town for An Illiad, one of the Rep’s three short-run programs.
An Illiad opened February 24 in the Rep’s new Black Box stage.
This program originally aired Sun., Feb. 28, 2016.
Arts Scene with Ann Nicholson airs weekly on KLRE at 12:00 p.m. and KUAR at 5:30 p.m. in Little Rock.
