The public is invited to attend a free master class by Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra flutist Jennifer Conner from 4-6 p.m. this Friday, Dec. 8 in the Bloch Learning and Performance Hall at West Virginia Universitys Creative Arts Center.
The class will feature a performance by Conner, as well as four WVU flute majors.
Following Conners master class, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, conducted by artistic advisor Sir Andrew Davis, will perform at 8:15 p.m. in the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre at the Creative Arts Center.
Described by critics asthoroughly delightful, with remarkable tone in every register,Conner enjoys a dynamic career as both an orchestral musician for the Pittsburgh Symphony and as a chamber player for several ensembles, including the acclaimed Pittsburgh Chamber Music Project at the Andy Warhol Museum.
Conner performed for five seasons as principal flute with the Charleston Symphony in South Carolina prior to her appointment as second flute by former Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra music director Lorin Maazel.
While working toward her bachelors degree at the Juilliard School, Conner studied with world-renowned flutists Jeanne Baxtresser and Julius Baker.
Conner has performed numerous recitals in both the United States and Asia, and in 1987, she was awarded first prize in the first annual Flute Talk magazine competition.
In addition to her current position as second flute, Conner has made several appearances as soloist with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
Conner continues to show her dedication to training the next generation of flutists through her past and present associations with Carnegie Mellon University, Indiana University at Bloomington and Duquesne University.
She is also a volunteer for the Pittsburgh Symphonys Early Childhood Pilot Project and is an adjudicator for the National Flute Association.
The Torray Symphony Series is brought to the Creative Arts Center through a partnership between the WVU College of Creative Arts and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. The series is sponsored by Robert and Nancy Torray, with additional support from William and Loulie Canady of Morgantown, W.Va., in memory of their daughter Valerie.
The Dec. 8 Pittsburgh Symphony performance will feature music by Max Bruch, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonn Dvork.
Tickets for the Pittsburgh Symphony Concert are available for $38 and can be ordered by calling 800-743-8560 or online athttp://www.pittsburghsymphony.org.
They will also be available at the Creative Arts Center on the night of the concert.