University concert to feature guest artist

Violinist Jacqui Carrasco will perform with University of South Carolina faculty members Lynn Kompass, Bert Ligon and Craig Butterfield at the School of Music recital hall Oct. 7.

The performance, "From Heifetz to Jazz: Gershwin for Violin and Piano," will begin at 7:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

The concert came about recently when Carrasco had an opening and contacted Ligon, who took the opportunity.

An associate professor and the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation Fellow at Wake Forest University, Carrasco has performed as a soloist and chamber musician throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, Mexico and Russia. She has appeared with cellist Yo-Yo Ma in concert and on television.

The performance will feature pieces from "Porgy and Bess," such as, "Summertime," " A Woman is a Sometime Thing," " Strike Up the Band," " Bess, You is My Woman Now," and others.

"Transcriptions for Violin from 'Porgy and Bess' by Jascha Heifetz are virtuoso transcriptions by the legendary violinist Jascha Heifetz date from 1947," said Ligon, a professor of jazz. "These showpieces capture the excitement of Gershwin's score in a unique and fascinating way."

Ligon and Kompass, an assistant professor of voice, will be on the piano. Butterfield, an assistant professor of double bass will be on bass.

For more information on the concert, contact Bert Ligon at 803-777-6565 or at bligon@mozart.sc.edu.