Robert Gardner, Baritone, in recital September 13, 2008

Augustana Arts presents Robert Gardner, Baritone, in
“The Many Faces of Charles Ives” (1874-1954)
Co-Sponsored by Pro Musicis

Augustana Arts presents Colorado performing artist Robert Gardner, baritone, in recital on Saturday, September 13, at 7:30 p.m. at Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 E. Alameda Ave., Denver.

Robert Gardner, the 2007 winner of the Lili Boulanger Memorial Award, chosen from five worldwide nominees (chiefly composers, conductors and instrumentalists) and by the foundation started in 1936 by famed teacher-pianist-conductor Nadia Boulanger, is considered this year's "musician of exceptional talent and integrity." From the mountains of Colorado, Robert began his musical studies in a family of fifteen musicians. He trained at Yale Opera of the Yale University School of Music under Richard and Doris Cross and Sherrill Milnes, and participated in young artist programs with Santa Fe Opera, the Bavarian National Opera in Munich, and the Steans Institute for Young Artists at Ravinia in Chicago. A 2001 Pro Musicis International Award winner, he is also the winner of the 1999 William Matheus Sullivan Foundation Award, the 2000 Gerda Lissner Award, and the 2000 Denver Lyric Opera Guild Competition. He is a member of the Society of American Fight Directors and has choreographed safe, yet effective stage conflicts professionally, and is a professional animal trainer in his spare time.

The most recent review of Naxos 6-CD collection of Charles Ives songs notes three songs sung by Robert Gardner: “On Volume I, the highlights are many, including baritone Robert Gardner’s “The Cage,” and “The Circus Band,” and on volume II, his only appearance, a lovely, heartfelt rendition of the nostalgic "Down East" (1919), where he perfectly captures the mood of the song's two parts, the dreamlike, chromatic opening and the following, gradual transition to the hymn Bethany ("Nearer My God to Thee"). This is an extraordinarily satisfying, consummately entertaining, and consistently thoughtful collaboration that's always respectful of both the serious and humorous, the simple and the complex, the overtly melodious and abstract aspects of these often challenging songs.”

Pro Musicis International Award Winners are concert artists who demonstrate to a distinguished jury the following: exceptional technical ability, extensive classical training, an unusual ability to communicate with an audience, readiness for outreach and the potential for a world class career.
Artists selected for the award receive fully funded recitals in major concert halls in New York, Boston and France, together with the opportunity to share their gifts in community service concerts for those who have no access to concert halls. More information at www.augustanaarts.org
PSA/Listing Information
Augustana Arts presents
Robert Gardner, Baritone
Saturday, September 13, at 7:30 p.m.
Augustana Lutheran Church
5000 East Alameda Ave., Denver
$15 Adult / $10 Senior / $5 Student
866-464-2626, www.TicketsWest.com