Moores School of Music Kicking Off 2011-12 Concert Season with 'Collage'

It’s not every day that a single concert features jazz, choral music, symphonic arrangements, steel drum compositions, opera and songs from U2 and Queen. Then again, the University of Houston’s “Collage” is not your everyday concert.

Each fall, “Collage” previews upcoming performances at UH’s Moores School of Music and allows audiences to sample its wide range of faculty and student talents. With more than 300 musicians participating in this concert, it is one of the most anticipated events of the season.

“Collage” begins at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 8 in UH’s Moores Opera House. This concert is free, and tickets can be reserved by calling the Moores ticket office a 713-743-3313.

“This annual concert is very special,” said Buck Ross, director of Moores Opera Center and the concert’s coordinator. “During no other performance can audiences really experience the breadth of talent at the Moores School of Music. It certainly has something for everyone and provides an excellent opportunity to sample different styles of music. It’s fast-paced, fun and an unforgettable experience.”

Some of the concert’s highlights include a performance of U2’s “MLK” by the Moores Concert Chorale featuring student soloist Aaron Casey and a medley of songs by legendary rock band Queen by the Moores School Symphony Orchestra conducted by Franz Krager.

Other performers will include soloists from the Moores Opera Center, the Moores Jazz Ensemble, the UH Steel Drum Band and the Spirit of Houston Cougar Marching Band.

Since 1998, the Moores School of Music has presented this kickoff concert. Conceived by Krager, “Collage” has become one of the most celebrated events on MSM’s concert schedule.