On Saturday night the atrium of IU's celebrated Art Museum will be transformed into a medieval French cathedral as the Jacobs School of Music presents 'Fleury,' a 12th-century liturgical, or church, drama.\n"Fleury," an anonymous manuscript, contains 10 separate dramas that address a variety of biblical stories, such as Christmas, Easter and the conversion of St. Paul. The "Fleury" collection is truly unique, according to scholar Thomas Campbell, who describes it as nothing less than "a supreme example of 12th-century Latin music-drama."\nThe performance of this monumental work will utilize Concentus, an ensemble of Early Music students, as well as members of the IU Children's Choir.\n"It has been a great experience for (the children)," said Children's Choir Director Dr. Brent Gault. "This music is not easy to memorize and perform, and they have really had to stretch musically in order to meet the challenges of the production."\nTwelve-year-old choir member Tony Ponella agreed.\n"The last piece," he said, "the 'Te Deum,' is really hard."\nBut Ponella said it was definitely worth the work.\n"I love the space that we are performing in," he said. "Plus I always love working with IU students." \nDr. Gault said he shared Ponella's affection for the museum.\n"The atrium of the Art Museum is a beautiful space in which to sing," he said, "and performing there only heightens the total effect."\nThe performance of "Fleury" will being at 8 p.m. Saturday and is free and open to the public.
Also this weekend is a faculty recital by mezzo-soprano Marietta Simpson. Simpson, who joined the Jacobs School of Music in 2005, will perform works by a variety of composers, from Scarlatti to Schumann, to her own arrangements of traditional black spirituals. Performing with her will be pianist Cliff Jackson and violist Yuval Gotlibovich. \nThe recital will take place at 8 p.m. Saturday in Auer Hall.
