College of Fine Arts and Design

Aug 29, 2012

he University of Central Oklahoma School of Music will present a special performance honoring the 100th birthday of famed American composer John Cage (1912-1992) at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 4 at the UCO Jazz Lab located in Edmond.

The John Cage tribute performance is a part of the School of Music's Faculty Artist Concert Series, a yearlong performance series featuring the talents of Central music faculty members.  All performances take place on Tuesday nights at 7:30 p.m. at the Jazz Lab.

David Hardman, director of percussion studies at Central, will be the featured performer in the John Cage tribute concert.

Hardman has performed/recorded with numerous world-class musicians including jazz players such as Joe Lovano, Wynton Marsalis, John Abercrombie, Dave Liebman and Nat Adderly.  He has also performed with the band Yes, Ray Charles, Barry Gib and various bands and orchestras across the nation.           

Hardman chose to honor John Cage's 100th birthday with this special performance because of the incredible contribution Cage has made to the music world.           

"John Cage expanded the definition of what music is and even expanded what qualifies as a musical instrument," said Hardman.           

"He was a true artist that impacted the world of music tenfold and I can't wait to share some of his incredible works with the audience.  People will leave the concert with a whole new view on the definition of music."           

Cage was a composer, music theorist, writer and artist who is revered as a pioneer of indeterminacy in music, electroacoustic music, and non-standard use of musical instruments.  Cage was one of the leading figures of the post-war avant-garde and is considered by critics as one of the most influential American composers of the 20th century.           

Cage is perhaps best known for his 1952 composition "4'33"," which Hardman and other Central music faculty members will perform as part of the tribute concert.               

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling the UCO School of Music at 405-974-5004.  Admission is free for Central students with a student I.D.  Half of the proceeds will go toward Central Music scholarships, and the rest will support the school.            

For a complete listing of UCO College of Fine Arts and Design events and performances, visit  www.uco.edu/cfad/events or call (405) 974-3770.