Faculty Artist Series Presents: An Equal Say Featuring Ben McIlwain, Ellen Elder on Oct. 18

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) School of Music presents “An Equal Say,” a faculty recital featuring Dr. Ben McIlwain, trombone, and Dr. Ellen Elder, piano, on Oct. 18. The free recital will take place in Marsh Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on the Hattiesburg campus.

The title of this event, “An Equal Say,” plays into a variety of elements including the composers, styles, and performers.  The first half of this recital will include works written by male composers, such as Gregory Turner, Ernst Bloch, and David Biedenbender; while the second half champions pieces by female composers Carolina Calvache, Daniela Candillari, and Amy Riebs Mills. 

“Collaborating on a diverse program of works written by both male and female composers ranging from jazz to modern influences with Dr. Ellen Elder is a wonderful opportunity for us both to have ‘An Equal Say',” said associate professor of trombone Dr. Ben McIlwain.

This exciting program includes 5 works written in the past 10 years for trombone and piano. Ernst Bloch's “Prayer” from Jewish Life, originally for cello, will also be performed.

One of Dr. McIlwain's passions and research interests is supporting new music for the trombone. As of August 2018, Dr. McIlwain has commissioned over 30 new works for trombone solo and/or ensemble. He is a Performing Artist for S.E. Shires Trombones.

Assistant professor of piano Dr. Ellen Elder has been a featured soloist with The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and the University of Michigan Philharmonia Orchestra, as winner of the concerto competitions at those institutions.  She has been featured as soloist with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, the Mississippi Symphony Chamber Orchestra, the University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, and the Hattiesburg City Band.

For more information email Dr. Ben McIlwain at ben.mcilwainFREEMississippi.