“Classical Meets Jazz,” the third Sedona event, brings together two distinguished musicians, coincidentally husband and wife, each with their own musical style. Russell Schmidt has held the titles of “director of jazz activities” and “associate professor” in his vast experience at schools including Arizona State University and the University of North Carolina.

Schmidt has conducted the Eastman Studio Orchestra and has served as a keyboard soloist for over 30 orchestras including performances with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center and with the San Francisco Symphony. Schmidt is currently the director of the jazz department at Bowling Green State University in Ohio and is the artistic director for the Toledo Jazz Orchestra.

Wife and violist, Nancy Buck, holds degrees in performance from the Oberlin Conservatory. Her extensive experience in concert performance includes appearances in concert with the Aspen Music Festival, the Sarasota Music Festival, and the Schleswig Holstein Music Festival. Buck is a professor of viola at Arizona State University.

Schmidt and Buck will set the stage afire with the diverse sound of classical music intertwined with the upbeat, fun sound of jazz.

Performance Dates:

"Paradisa! Trio" Flute, cello and piano,” Baroque to Blue" from Telemann to Bolling
When: Saturday, August 23 - 7:30pm
Where: Sedona & Verde Valley Jewish Community Center, 100 Meadowlark Drive, Sedona
Tickets: Adult $20, Children 12 and under $10

"Music Under Totalitarian Regime" Music, poetry and art created during the Holocaust and Communist Russia
When: Saturday, August 30 - 7:30pm
Where: Sedona & Verde Valley Jewish Community Center, 100 Meadowlark Drive, Sedona
Tickets: Adults $20, Children 12 and under $10

“Classical Meets Jazz”
When: Sunday, August 31 - 7:30pm
Where: Sedona & Verde Valley Jewish Community Center, 100 Meadowlark Drive, Sedona
Tickets: Adults $20, Children 12 and under $10


For more information call toll free (877) 733-RCKS (7257) or visit www.redrocksmusicfestival.com.

Article courtesy of Moshe Bukshpan.

Posted August 7, 2008.