Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts will present internationally acclaimed baritone Sanford Sylvan at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, in W.M. Turner Auditorium as part of its University Series.

Deeply committed to the art of the vocal recital, Mr. Sylvan and his long-time collaborator, pianist David Breitman, have performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe, in major venues in London, New York, Washington, Boston, Philadelphia and San Francisco. Their recitals have earned exceptional praise from critics and audiences, including three Grammy nominations for Best Classical Vocal Performance.

The New York Times called Sylvan "a rare vocal artist able to use his voice like an instrument, blending work and note into a unified and exact musical expression."

And according to the Boston Globe, "Breitman and Sylvan have always brought out the best in each other. Sylvan's combination of literary, musical, and vocal gifts is unusual, and the interplay of solo voice and other voices in the piano part [is] marvelous."

The Nacogdoches performance includes "Liederkreis Op. 24" by Robert Schumann, "Don Quichotte à Dulcineé" by Maurice Ravel, two works by Gabriel Fauré, and Virgil Thomson's "Mostly About Love."

"Mr. Sylvan's program has something for everyone," said baritone Scott LaGraff, SFA assistant professor of music. "It's a mix of well-known classics and works that are not heard as often, and I'm sure it will be presented with beautiful artistry."

"Ravel's "Don Quichotte à Dulcineé" is one of the great sets in the baritone repertoire, but I think I'm most looking forward to hearing "L'Horizon Chimérique," which was the final set of songs from Gabriel Fauré, one of the all-time great song composers," LaGraff continued.

Prior to the performance, LaGraff will give a 7 p.m. informative talk in Griffith Gallery, located across the hall from Turner Auditorium in the Griffith Fine Arts Building. All audience members are invited to attend.

Immediately after the recital, the College of Fine Arts will host a reception in Griffith Gallery to honor the event's corporate sponsor, Commercial Bank of Texas.

Tickets are $30 for A seating, $24 for B seating and $15 for C seating, with discounts available for seniors, students and youth. For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.