THIBODAUX – The inaugural performance of Nicholls State University’s newest student ensemble, the Nicholls Camerata, is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux. The event is free and open to the public.
A small chamber orchestra, the Nicholls Camerata will feature the violin, viola, cello, bass and harpsichord. Student players will join director James Alexander, adjunct instructor of music and harpsichordist Dr. Luciana Soares, associate professor of music. Guest cellist Martin Merker, a member of the Swiss ensemble Camerata Bern and the Offenburg String Trio, will perform Haydn’s D Major Cello Concerto with the ensemble. Also on the program are Dvorak’s String Serenade as well as a Concerto Grosso of Vivaldi.
“The new orchestra will perform without a conductor,” Alexander said. “I am quite excited about this new resource for the university, and we all look forward to performing for the people of the Bayou Region.”
Alexander said the Nicholls Camerata will perform several times on campus throughout the coming year, as well as at the Pelican State Chamber Music Series in Baton Rouge and New Roads, La.
The new orchestra is the Nicholls Department of Music’s 13th ensemble. Others include the Nicholls Basketball Pep Band; Blue Bayou Big Band, a jazz group; Pride of Nicholls Marching Band; Symphonic Band; Wind Ensemble; Brass Ensemble; Percussion Ensemble; Woodwind Ensemble; Concert Choir; Chamber Singers Gospel Choir; and Alexander-Soares Duo.
For additional information, go to www.nicholls.edu/perform/.