Saint Louis University is surrounded by opportunities to partake in the fine and performing arts. After all, campus is within walking distance from places such as The Fabulous Fox Theatre, The Contemporary Art Museum and Powell Symphony Hall.
However, the quality of art present on campus should not be underestimated. The Department of Fine and Performing Arts at SLU is composed of four programs: Art History, Theatre, Music and Studio Art. Numerous recitals, productions and exhibitions are put on every semester by these programs so that the students and faculty are afforded the opportunity to showcase their talents. In addition to supporting fellow SLU students and faculty, students are encouraged to attend these events for their entertainment value.
“These events will prove to be entertaining, but the real purpose for students to attend is to broaden their perspectives through the arts,” the Department of Fine and Performing Arts’ publicity manager John Lamb said.
Music
In terms of music, there will be a plethora of concerts and recitals this semester. On Oct. 8, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3, student recitals will take place in the Samuel Cupples House from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
“There’s a lot of talent on this campus that just doesn’t get recognized very often. We really appreciate support from our peers,” junior music studies major Kristine Gage said.
The numerous ensembles on campus also have their own performances every semester. These ensembles’ performances include the University Choirs on Nov. 5, the Wind Ensemble on Nov. 30, the Guitar Ensemble on Dec. 2, the String Orchestra on Dec. 3 and the Jazz Ensemble on Dec. 6.
“The concerts give a display of how well-rounded SLU is,” sophomore Gretchen Weber, a music performance major said. “They serve to help increase student involvement and encourage students to explore lesser known areas of the University.”
If you are looking for some music education, the Senior Capstone events are mandatory presentations done by all senior music majors. John Donovan and Emily Newton will present their capstones on Oct. 29. There will also be two faculty recitals this semester. The first will take place on Sept. 26. Performers will include Diana Umali and James Nacy. The second will take place on Nov. 7, and the performers will be Pamela Dees and Jeral and Wanda Becker. Both recitals will take place in St. Francis Xavier College Church.
Studio Art
Art faculty and students will also make their contribution on this campus with a few shows this semester. The Faculty Art Exhibition will take place from Sept. 24 to Oct. 15 in Boileau Hall. Then from Oct. 22 to Nov. 22, Boileau Hall will be host to the Invitational Art Exhibition. Finally, art will finish the semester with the 200 Show from Dec. 3 to Jan. 22.
“Any student that is in a 200-level art class or higher is encouraged to submit pieces of art that they have designed. It is a great way for the students participating in the SLU art programs to exhibit their work and feel appreciated,” junior studio arts minor Molly Mostyn said.
There are ample opportunities to appreciate both SLU faculty and student art this semester.
Sophomore Hannah Dussold, an art history major, agrees.
“It’s important to see what these young artists are trying to express. I think students would enjoy the exhibitions. They are small, but mighty,” Dussold said.
Theatre
The theatre department will begin this semester with its production of Almost, Maine in the first two weekends of October. This romantic comedy will be the first
of the two main stage shows produced by SLU Theatre.
Cabaret, a musical set in pre- WWII Germany, will close the season in November. Cabaret is a social history of 1930s Germany as it shifted to Nazi control. Student tickets for both plays are $7 and can be purchased at the box office in Xavier Hall.
“Our two shows are a great way to escape everyday life and to just enjoy yourself,” theatre major Anita Shastri said.
