DETROIT, MI (January 3, 2006) – The Wayne State University Department of Music opens their winter concert series on Friday, January 13 with a performance of Beethoven’s First and Last Sonatas by violinist Kypros Markou and special guest pianist Paul Sisco. This free concert is being held at 11:45 a.m. in Old Main’s Schaver Music Recital Hall, 480 W. Hancock in Detroit.

In celebration of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, the department hosts the 12th Annual African American Composers Concert, presented by Delta Omicron Professional Music Fraternity, at 3 p.m. on Monday, January 16. Also in January, WSU Music presents classical guitarist and alumnus David Rogers in concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 20. A recital by faculty members Laura Roelofs, violin and Robert Conway, piano, performing music of William Bolcom, Amy Beach and Samuel Barber, will conclude the month at 11:45 a.m. on Friday, January 27.

In February, the departments of Music and Dance unite to perform “Dance Innovations Inspired by 20th-Century Instrumental Ensemble Music”, a collaborative project by Professors Kypros Markou (music) and Linda Simmons (dance). Performances are Friday, February 17 through 19. For times and admission fees call (313) 577-4273. The department proudly presents TerraNova at 11:45 a.m. on Friday, February 24. Members of the ensemble are Frances Brockington, soprano, Michael Bryce, guitar and Theresa Jenkins, clarinet.

The month of March begins with a presentation by Stephen Millen, the 2006 Distinguished Alumni Award in Music Recipient, at 11:45 a.m. on Friday, March 3. Millen, VP of Operations and General Manager for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, will receive the award on March 2. Faculty members Peter Soave, bayan and Dorothy Duensing, mezzo-soprano perform at 11:45 a.m. on Friday, March 10. The WSU Symphonic Chorus, along with the Archdiocesan Chorus of Detroit, Brazeal Dennard Chorale and the DSO Civic Orchestra perform Verdi’s “Messa da Requiem” on Friday, March 10 (7:30 p.m.) at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament and Sunday, March 12 (3 p.m.) at Orchestra Hall. WSU Music presents a Tribute to Stan Kenton, featuring the WSU Jazz Lab I Big Band and special guest Jerry McKenzie, at 7 p.m. on March 28. The month of March closes with a performance of Bach’s Double Concerto by guest oboist Andrea Ridilla and WSU faculty member Kypros Markou, violin at 11:45 a.m. on Friday, March 31.

April brings the Grammy Award Winning Los Angeles Guitar Quartet to Wayne from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, April 3 for a guitar master class. The master class is free and open to the public. The department’s winter 2006 season concludes with an appearance by jazz saxophonist and composer Joe Lovano. The Joe Lovano Quartet and the WSU Jazz Lab I Big Band will perform as part of the “DSO Jazz Club Series” at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Friday, May 19 at the Max M. Fisher Music Center. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by calling the DSO Box Office at (313) 576-5111. Wayne State Music is hosting an open rehearsal and master class with Lovano on Thursday, May 18. For details call (313) 577-1795 or visit www.music.wayne.edu.

All Friday, 11:45 a.m. presentations are free and open to the public. Throughout the winter, the WSU Department of Music will present numerous student ensemble performances on campus, as well as throughout the metropolitan Detroit community. For a complete schedule, admission fees, and venue information visit www.music.wayne.edu or call (313) 577-1795.