Celebrated composer Libby Larsen to speak at Rice University

CONTACT: Margot
Dimond
PHONE: (713) 348-6775
EMAIL: mdimond@rice.edu

CELEBRATED COMPOSER TO SPEAK
AT RICE
2001-2002 President’s Lecture Series Features Libby
Larsen

Libby Larsen, one of the
most important and celebrated composers working today, will deliver a talk at
Rice University on Nov. 12 as part of the 2001-2002 President’s Lecture
Series.

Her talk, titled “Music
in the 21st Century: A Composer Looks Ahead in the Rearview Mirror,” is
scheduled for 8 p.m. in the Grand Hall, Rice Memorial Center. Admission to the
lecture is free, and seating begins at 7 p.m.

Larsen has created an
immense catalog of work that spans nearly every genre and has established a
permanent place in concert repertory. Her music and ideas have refreshed the
concert music tradition and the composer’s role in it.

She has received
numerous awards and accolades, including a 1994 Grammy for her recording of the
“The Art of Arleen Auger,” featuring her “Sonnets from the Portuguese.” Called
“a mistress of orchestration” by the Times Union, Larsen is a prolific composer
who is actively sought out by great artists of international fame. Her
discography of more than 48 works is a testament to her many friendships and
collaborations with world-renowned artists.

Larsen’s compositions
can be heard on several recording labels, including Koch International,
Nonesuch, EMI and Decca. Two of Larsen’s newly released works on Koch
International are “Love After 1950,” sung by mezzo-soprano Susanne Mentzer with
Craig Retunberg on piano, and a new recording with the Colorado Symphony,
performing the world premiere of Larsen’s fifth symphony, “Solo
Symphony.”

Larsen’s writings and
speeches on music can be found in numerous textbooks and in her upcoming book
published by Graywolf Press.

Supported by the J.
Newton Rayzor Lecture Fund, the President’s Lecture Series has long been a
distinguished element of Rice’s academic community. The series, open to the Rice
community and the people of Houston, embodies William Marsh Rice’s commitment to
contribute educational opportunity to the broader society. The Office of the
President sponsors this series of stimulating speakers who foster understanding
about a wide range of topics in the sciences, humanities, engineering, social
sciences, architecture, music and public policy.

To attend the free
lecture, enter gate 13 off Rice Boulevard or gate 8 off University Boulevard.
Parking is available in lot E (near gate 13) and in the stadium lot. A shuttle
bus will run between the Rice Memorial Center and the stadium lot from 7 to 9:30
p.m.

Seating will begin at 7
p.m. For more information, call (713) 348-5585 or e-mail ricepls@rice.edu.
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