NYCB Composer Bright Sheng, a MacArthur "genius," to visit Skidmore April 25

"Conversations with a Composer," featuring New York City Ballet Composer-in-Residence Bright Sheng, is scheduled Wednesday, April 25, on campus. Sheng will be the guest speaker in two classes: from 12:20 to 2 p.m. and from 2:30 to 3:50 p.m. Both sessions will be in the Dance Theater and are open to the public without charge.

Sheng will discuss his work and life with students in the departments of dance, music, and Chinese language and culture.

He is collaborating with NYCB resident choreographer Christopher Wheeldon this spring. The duo's new ballet, The Nightingale and the Rose, will be performed at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center this summer.*

A recipient of a MacArthur Foundation grant (the so-called "genius" award) in 2001, Sheng is a composer of stage, orchestral, chamber, and vocal works that have been performed throughout the world, and also is a conductor and pianist. In 2003 he was named the Leonard Bernstein Distinguished University Professor of Music at the University of Michigan, where he has taught since 1995. Sheng studied composition and conducting with Mr. Bernstein from 1985 to 1990.

Sheng's visit to Skidmore is made possible with support from the New York State Music Fund, established by the New York State Attorney General at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.

Read more about Bright Sheng.

*performances are scheduled at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 12; at 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 17; adn at 8 p.m. Friday, July 20. For details, visit the SPAC web site.