Allied Arts at Oklahoma State University is closing out their 2009-10 season by celebrating the diversity of the arts with two final shows -- The Spanish Brass andy the New York Theatre Ballet.

The renowned Spanish Brass is coming to perform in Stillwater as part of their current tour of the United States. Allied Arts will present them in concert on Tuesday, February 9, 2010, at 8pm in the Seretean Center Concert Hall. They have created quite a stir in the US with their virtuoso performances at several professional brass conferences around the country such as the International Trumpet Guild, the International Trombone Association, the International Horn Society and the New York Brass Conference.

In addition to their popularity with audiences, the Spanish Brass has been acclaimed by many world-class brass players. Trumpeter Maurice Andre stated, “I heard the Spanish Brass in concert and was astounded by their virtuosity.” Christian Lindberg, trombone soloist, is quoted as saying, “I cannot think of a better brass quintet in the whole world.” Fred Mills, former trumpet player with the Canadian Brass, said, “Not only are the Spanish Brass virtuosi, I would say the musical result is sheer poetry.”

Their repertoire includes Spanish music (both traditional and modern), jazz, Renaissance, Baroque and contemporary pieces written for them by the world’s leading composers. Their creative programming breaks all the boundaries between classical, pop, Latin and traditional music. They have performed literally all over the world since they began their creative collaboration in 1989.

The Inside Story lecture for this performance will be given by Dr. Jonathan Martin, Professor of Trumpet and Director of Jazz Studies at OSU. This lecture will take place in the Seretean Center Room 123 at 7pm on the night of the concert. The Inside Story is free of charge and open to the public.

The life and work of choreographer, Agnes de Mille will be portrayed in dance, song and dramatic vignettes by the New York Theatre Ballet on Sunday, February 28, 2010, at 8pm in the Seretean Center Concert Hall. De Mille is well known for her groundbreaking work on Broadway beginning with the musical, Oklahoma! with its famous dream ballet. She also created the choreography for Carousel, Brigadoon, One Touch of Venus and Paint Your Wagon. 

In addition, de Mille choreographed several full ballets including Rodeo by Aaron Copeland and Debut at the Opera, Fall River Legend and Three Virgins and a Devil. Excerpts from these Broadway shows and ballets will be included in the performance here in Stillwater highlighting her incalculable contribution to the world of dance. This production by the New York Theatre Ballet was reviewed by Robert Daniels in Variety where he stated, “The company displayed the inimitable de Mille touch with the exquisite symmetry of motion, flawless execution and, above all, an airy sense of grace in motion.”

The Inside Story lecture for this performance will be led by Jessica Novak, Program Supervisor for the Stillwater Multi Arts Center. This lecture will take place in the Seretean Center Room 123 at 7pm on the night of the concert. The Inside Story is free of charge and open to the public.

Tickets for either performance are $8 for OSU students and children 12 and under, and $15 for all others. Tickets for Spanish Brass are available now while tickets for the New York Theatre Ballet will be available starting February 11. Tickets can be purchased at the Hub ticket booth located on the first floor of the OSU Student Union or by calling (405) 744-7400. For more information about the performance or group rates, contact the OSU Allied Arts office at 405-744-7509.