International Artists Series in 72nd season at Minot State

MINOT, N.D. – The International Artist Series presents Tajci’s “Waking Up in America,” the second performance of their 72nd season at Minot State, on Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in Minot State University’s Ann Nicole Nelson Hall.

Minot State has hosted the International Artist Series (IAS) since 1948. First called the Minot Community Concert Association, the series showcased mainly piano and classical soloist groups.

“Before everyone had 700 television channels and YouTube and the cell phone or the computer, if you wanted to hear beautiful music and support the fine arts, then Community Concerts was something that you chose to support,” said MSU voice professor DeVera Bowles, an IAS board member of 26 years.

Over time, Community Concerts began to broaden its interests towards international artists. The organization’s name changed to IAS in 1999 after joining with Live on Stage, Inc. booking agency to reflect the internationally renowned musicians and performers brought to Ann Nicole Nelson Hall, like the Russian Red Army Chorus.

Every July, the president of IAS, John Jermiason, his wife, Ann, and other board members attend a conference in Nashville, Tennessee to preview potential performers for the series. This year features a variety of acts, including American operatic tenor Ben Gulley and the Maxwell String Quartet from Scotland.

Minot State has been a partner with IAS since the beginning, with Ann Nicole Nelson Hall being the venue for the performances. The MSU Division of Music has also collaborated with IAS, having ushered and provided refreshments in the past.

“It is our synergistic relationship with MSU that has made these concerts and event possible,” said John Jermiason. “Minot State University has been a vital and major supporter and partner of our series from the very beginning by providing a magnificent performance venue and A/V technical support for our concerts.”

The biggest partnership between the two was using private piano teacher Evelyn Sampson’s estate to invest in a Steinway piano in 2003. Former Minot State humanities and keyboard professors Julianne Wallin and Walter Hartman traveled to New York City to find the perfect one, which music students and faculty continue to use today.

Bowles has discussed the beauty of this piano with a Steinway piano technician from Velva.

“When I get to play that piano on stage, it seems to me to have an especially nice touch, nice sound,” she said. “So I asked, ‘Is there something special about the Steinway?’ He said it was one of the nicest Steinways he had ever heard, and that’s saying something.”

The next IAS performer taking stage, Tajci, will utilize the Steinway in her show “Waking up in America.” A platinum-selling Croatian pop star and Eurovision finalist, Tajci will perform, along with her sister Sanya, the lead vocalist of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and acclaimed pianist Brian Hanson, a musical cabaret show of iconic American songs like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “Country Roads,” but with an international flair.

“Our intention with this show is to bring music that many of us can connect with, engage in and be inspired by — to make our world a better place,” said Tajci. “Music can be a powerful connector between people across borders, language barriers, religious backgrounds, racial or economic differences.”

Tickets for Tajci’s show and season tickets for individuals, couples, families, and students are available online at minotconcerts.org, or purchase a single adult ticket at the door for $30 or $15 for students. For more information on Tajci’s show, visit her tour’s WEBSITE.

About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.

Published: 11/14/19   


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