School of FIne Arts

KU alumnus places third in international organ competition

Robert Horton, graduate of the Department of Music and Dance at the University of Kansas, brought world recognition to KU recently when he won third prize in the Internationaal Orgelconcours, a renowned international organ competition September 22 through September 25 in Nijmegen, a city in the Netherlands.

Horton was the first American ever to quality for the competition, which drew an international field of nearly 30 applicants, eight of whom received invitations to compete in Nijmegen. Participants played in the city’s historic St. Steven’s Church on an organ built in 1776 by Ludwig König, performing selections from music dating from 1690 to 2004.

“Studying at KU prepared me not only with the technical ability to play this organ – the sheer physical force needed just to press down the keys would have stunned most Americans – but it also gave the sense to appreciate the beauty of the instrument itself,” Horton said. “It was a glorious sound.” Read More

KU art, design students recognized in biennial show

"Bowl," by Derek Larsen.

LAWRENCE – Art and design students at the University of Kansas School of Fine Arts recently enjoyed a strong showing at the Kansas Collegiate Aesthetics competition.

The biennial juried show featuring two- and three-dimensional art by Kansas college and university students included 65 pieces selected from more than 300 entries. Warren Taylor, a nationally recognized painter and educator from Midland, Texas, served as juror for the exhibition, which was on view September 7 through October 24 at the Birger Sandzén Gallery in Lindsborg, Kan.

Six KU students won awards, which were set up through various sponsorships.Read More

One Castle: two theatres, two works

KU Voice Professor Joyce Castle is in New York City for several weeks performing two different works in two different theaters at Lincoln Center. During her partial leave from the University of Kansas Department of Music and Dance, she will perform in an opera, while rehearsing then participating in the world premiere of a new creation.

Her performances begin with her role of Mme. de Croissy in Poulenc's "Dialogues of the Carmelites" at the New York City Opera, Oct. 12, 17, 21, 23, 27 and 29.

When not performing with the City Opera, Castle is in final rehearsals for "Belle Epoch," a new work created by Martha Clark, portraying the life and times of Toulouse Lautrec. In this show Castle sings songs from the French cabaret.  "Belle Epoch" has its lst Preview performance at the Mitzi Newhouse Theater at Lincoln Center October 28, opens November 21, and runs eight shows a week until January 9.

Visit the School of Fine Arts website for more information.