Richard Block: Trouble

March 19, 2010 - 8:00pm
  • Friday, March 19, 2010
  • Old Cabell Hall
  • 8:00pm
  • Free

Richard Block

Fourth-year Bass-Baritone Richard Block presents an evening of Low Voice Art Song, Opera, and Musical Theatre. Pianist David Norfrey accompanies selections from Franz Schubert's "Winterreise," Hector Berlioz' "Les nuits d'été," Charles Ives' "Seven Songs," and traditional Spirituals arranged by H.T. Burleigh. Featuring themes of love, despair, courage, and resolve, the recital offers a psychological tour of vocal literature's starkest emotive extremes.

The recital will be held Friday, March 19, at 8 pm in the Old Cabell Hall Auditorium. Admission is free to the public. A catered reception will be held in the lobby.

This recital is supported by the Charles S. Roberts Scholarship Fund. Established in 2004 by the generosity of Mr. Alan Y. Roberts ('64) and Mrs. Sally G. Roberts, the Charles S. Roberts Scholarship Fund underwrites the private lessons and recital costs for undergraduate music majors giving a recital in their fourth year as part of a distinguished major program in music.

Richard Block grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas. His interest in classical vocal music was cultivated at an early age. Richard has studied voice with his current teacher, Chris Owens, for three years and is pursuing undergraduate degrees in Music and Drama. Artistic interests include Opera, Oratorio, Musical Theatre, and Art Song. Richard plans to continue his vocal studies in conservatory and pursue a Master's Degree in Classical Voice.

David Norfrey holds a Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from Oberlin Conservatory, and a Master’s degree in Sacred Music/Organ from Westminster Choir College. At the University of Virginia he serves as accompanist for the University Singers and Chamber Singers, and as a pianist for various vocal and instrumental studios. Mr. Norfrey has also enjoyed collaborative work as a pianist/organist at James Madison University and other schools and churches in the Charlottesville area. He worked as Minister of Music at Christ Episcopal Church in Charlottesville from 2006-2008, and is currently Interim Handbell Director at First Presbyterian Church. Other freelance services include music transcription using Sibelius software, and handbell consulation and seminars.

From 1991-2005, Mr. Norfrey was Department Accompanist/Special Lecturer at Providence College (RI), where he accompanied three choral groups, all student vocalists and instrumentalists, and taught Piano Class. He was an active piano/organ accompanist in southern New England, at the University of RI, Community College of RI, with the Providence Singers, and for eight consecutive years, the RI Senior High All-State Chorus.

Address

UVA Department of Music
112 Old Cabell Hall
P.O. Box 400176 Charlottesville, VA 22904-4176

Email: music@virginia.edu