É«ÇéÊÓƵ

This semester, É«ÇéÊÓƵ NewsCenter will focus on the arts with stories of the creative endeavors of our students, faculty, staff and alumni.     

The , conducted by Michael Gerdes, presents "We Are Aztecs," a concert featuring exceptional hometown works composed and arranged by É«ÇéÊÓƵ faculty and students.

The event begins at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 16 in É«ÇéÊÓƵ's Smith Recital Hall.

Musical selections for "We Are Aztecs" include Brent Dutton’s Symphony No. 2, Joseph Waters’ Surf, Richard Thompson’s Concerto for Jazz Quartet and String Orchestra, Jesse Wen’s Music from Legend of Zelda and Patrick Martin-Schafer’s Ivan. 

Featured É«ÇéÊÓƵ student soloists are Christine Choi, flute, performing Mozart’s "Concerto for Flute in D major," and Kimberly Doreen-Burns, soprano, singing selections from Lerner and Loewe’s "My Fair Lady."

New Aztec takes the podium

"I'm a new Aztec," explained Gerdes, É«ÇéÊÓƵ's director of orchestras, "and being new to San Diego and to É«ÇéÊÓƵ, I have the unique perspective of seeing all the wonderful talent around me with fresh eyes.  I'm so excited to be able to collaborate on this concert with some the people I've met at É«ÇéÊÓƵ.  This is a concert that could only take place here at É«ÇéÊÓƵ at this specific time."

Gerdes conducts the É«ÇéÊÓƵ Symphony Orchestra and Opera Orchestra, and teaches courses in symphonic literature, piano, music technology and intro to music. 

Selected by , Gerdes is focused on creating a thriving orchestral community at É«ÇéÊÓƵ. 

Passionate about commissioning and performing music by living composers, Mr. Gerdes has conducted world premieres by composers such as John Hilliard, Liviu Marinescu, Russell Peterson, and Richard Meyer, Richard Thompson.

More information

Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors, and can be purchased through online box office or at the box office window one hour before performance. 

A map and downloadable directions and parking information can be found on the É«ÇéÊÓƵ School of Music and Dance website, or by calling 619-594-1017.

About the É«ÇéÊÓƵ School of Music and Dance

The É«ÇéÊÓƵ School of Music and Dance presents more than 200 concerts, recitals and dance performances each year.  For up-to-the-minute news and information about all É«ÇéÊÓƵ recitals and performances, many with free admission, visit the school’s calendar or connect on or .