Minot State offers masterclass featuring Grammy-nominated duo
MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University is excited to announce that Grammy-nominated duo Laura Strickling and Daniel Schlosberg will offer a masterclass with Minot State University voice students on Friday, Oct. 18, at 4 p.m. in Ann Nicole Nelson Hall.
The event is part of Western Plains Opera’s “American Song (R)evolution: A Journey through American Song” concert set for Sunday, Oct. 20, at 4 p.m. Both the masterclass and Western Plains Opera concert are free and open to the public, with a free-will donation accepted at the Sunday performance.
“Laura chose one of my songs for NewMusicShelf’s anthology of Art Songs for Soprano, and I’m thrilled to have been selected as one of the 40 composers for her 40@40 project,” said Emerson Eads, Minot State assistant professor of music and director of choral activities. “It's a pleasure to welcome her and the talented pianist Daniel Schlosberg (with whom I got to know at the University of Notre Dame) for a masterclass and concert. The students are in for a treat, collaborating with someone so passionate about contemporary music that reflects our diverse culture here in the United States.
“They will also be giving the North Dakota premiere of my song "Patrick’s Rune," alongside introducing the audience to many other compelling voices of our time.”
Strickling and Schlosberg will present world premieres and favorites from their landmark 40@40 song commissioning project, accompanied by insights into the timeless art of storytelling and culture-bearing through song.
Celebrated for her work in art song with an emphasis on building the modern canon, Strickling was featured in Classical Singer Magazine for advocacy around commissioning and recording, curated The New Music Shelf Anthology of Contemporary Art Songs for Soprano, and recently announced The 40@40 Project — her personal initiative to commission new music, which has surpassed original goals and continues to foster collaborations between today’s most exciting composers and poets.
Schlosberg leads a kaleidoscopic musical life. He has appeared with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as a featured soloist and in numerous chamber music concerts. He is passionate about contemporary music, collaborating frequently with Eighth Blackbird and Third Coast Percussion.
For more information, see Western Plains Opera’s WEBSITE. To learn more about the performers, visit Strickling’s WEBSITE and Schlosberg’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: 10/16/24
