The Averitt Center for the Arts is bringing talented Brazilian percussionist Ney Rosauro and the Georgia Southern University Percussion Ensemble to the Emma Kelly Theater Saturday evening.
Rosauro's technique and performance have been refined over many years of training in three different countries. Born in Rio de Janeiro, he has studied in Brazil, Germany and the United States. He and Dr. Matt Fallin, the director of the GSU Percussion Ensemble, studied together at the University of Miami.
"The music that will be performed on November 15 is all of Rosauro's own composition, so the melodies, rhythms, and harmonies all have a distinctive Brazilian flavor," said Fallin. "If anyone doesn't know exactly what this means, that's all the more reason to come out and enjoy the show!"
Both Fallin and Rosauro will share the privilege of conducting the performance. Audiences should expect to hear a large variety of musical styles and witness a stage full of unusual instruments and talented percussionists creating unique and pleasant music. The repertoire will include solos, duets and full ensemble pieces.
In addition to performing solo work, Rosauro and Fallin will play a marimba-and-vibraphone duet. Other numbers will include various selections featuring marimba, a drum set and a bass guitar - played by local performing artist Ryan Kelly. The GSU Percussion Ensemble will be featured in several pieces, including "Mother Earth, Father Sky," composed by Rosauro.
Before the performance, Rosauro conducted workshops and master classes with the GSU Percussion Ensemble and the Southeast Bulloch High School band percussion section.
"My activities are divided in three aspects: percussionist, composer and pedagogue," said Rosauro. "The three parts combine and complete themselves, and the end of every experience is an exciting one."
Rosauro says the most rewarding experiences of his career are the ones related with composition.
His performance with the GSU Percussion Ensemble is highly anticipated by both the performers and the community. Tickets for the show are $18 for non-members and $16 for Averitt Center members. Youth and GSU student tickets cost $10. To purchase tickets or get more information, call the Averitt Center box office at (912) 212-2787. Box office hours are Tuesday through Friday from noon to 5:30 p.m.