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Townsend Presents Mercer University Townsend School of Music | music.mercer.edu Jo Phelps Fabian Center for Musical Excellence rough the generosity of philanthropist Jo Phelps Fabian, the Fabian Center for Musical Excellence is in its inaugural season. e multi-million-dollar com- mitment was given to create the institute within the Townsend School of Music. e gi is to be used to support educational programs for outstanding aspiring musicians; to expand the existing Fabian Concert Series to create the Fabian Concert and Lecture Series, a program that will provide concerts by leading artists and host lectures and symposia on music, philosophy and the arts; and to create the Fabian Distinguished Music Scholars for exceptional student musicians. e 2021-2022 academic year marks the beginning of this significant institute. How the Arts Prepare Us for Leadership Jane Chu, former Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Arts Nov. 30, 10:00 a.m. Jane Chu, former Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Arts, will present the first symposium for the Fabian Center for Musical Excellence. During her four-year tenure at the NEA, Chu traveled to all 50 states, 200 communities, and made more than 400 site visits to visual artists, musicians, dancers, actors, writers, arts educators, and arts administrators. Canadian Brass Wednesday, Dec. 1 The inaugural concert in the Fabian Center for Musical Excellence will feature Canadian Brass. This quintet has earned the distinction of "the world's most famous brass group." Masters of concert presentations, Canadian Brass has developed a uniquely engaging stage presence and rapport with audiences.Their concert will show the full range from trademark Baroque and Dixieland tunes to new compositions and arrangements created especially for them – from formal classical presentation to music served up with lively dialogue and theatrical effects. The hallmark of any Canadian Brass performance is entertainment, spontaneity, virtuosity and, most of all, fun – but never at the expense of the music. Whatever the style, the music is central and performed with utmost dedication, skill and excellence. With a discography of over 130 albums and an extensive world-wide touring schedule, Canadian Brass is an important pioneer in bringing brass music to mass audiences everywhere. VOCES8 Friday, Feb. 11 The British vocal ensemble VOCES8 is proud to inspire people through music and share the joy of singing. Touring globally, the group performs an extensive repertoire both in its a cappella concerts and in collaborations with leading orchestras, conductors, and soloists. Versatility and a celebration of diverse musical expression are central to the ensemble's performance and education ethos. Gramophone Magazine writes "The singing of VOCES8 is impeccable in its quality of tone and balance. They bring a new dimension to the word 'ensemble' with meticulous timing and tuning." Robert Blocker, piano Monday, Apr. 11 The final concert in the inaugural Fabian Center for Musical Excellence features Robert Blocker, pianist and the Henry and Lucy Moses Dean of Music and Professor of Piano at the Yale School of Music. An internationally acclaimed concert pianist, Blocker performs throughout the world, appearing in recital and in chamber music and orchestral settings. Described by the Los Angeles Times as an artist of "great skill and accomplishment," Robert Blocker has forged an inspired career as an academic leader, an accomplished pianist, and an impassioned educator. Paula D'Arcy, speaker Ken Medema, piano Benjamin Mertz, composer, piano, Black Spiritual music The Intersection of Music and Philosophy Symposium Thursday, Mar. 24, 10 a.m. Living for and with Each Other Thursday, Mar. 24, 7:30 p.m. A special evening of Living for and with Each Other awaits the audience in this special Fabian Center for Musical Excellence concert featuring Paula D'Arcy, Ken Medema, and Benjamin Mertz. D'Arcy is a writer, playwright, and conference and seminar speaker. She will be joined by Ken Medema, blind singer- composer, and Benjamin Mertz, San Francisco based composer and singer whose specialization is Black Spiritual music, in an evening of words and music to challenge, inspire, and renew.