The South Haven Performance Series
Contributing to the Cultural Fabric of Our Community
The ninth season of the South Haven Performance Series has been announced.
Founded in 2010, the Performance Series is an all-volunteer community-based organization committed to providing a rich mixture of the musical arts for South Haven area residents and visitors. Most concerts are held during the summer months with an additional concert presented in the holiday season.
Performances are provided thanks to the generous support of the South Haven Community Foundation, corporate sponsors and individual donors. A modest $10 admission is charged for the summer concerts while the holiday concert is presented free of charge as a gift to the community. Students are always admitted free.
The April 27, June 29 and August 31 concerts will be presented in the air-conditioned First Methodist Church, 429 Michigan Ave. while the August 4 concert is scheduled for Listiak Auditorium at South Haven High School. All concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are sold only on the evening of the concert.
The season will begin on Friday, April 27. Wei Luo, born in Shenzhen, China, is a 2018 Gilmore International Keyboard Festival Young Artist Award recipient. In 2010 Wei won the first prize in the 11th Chopin International Competition for Young Pianists in Poland.
On Friday, June 29, the Series will continue with a concert by Dr. Rhea Olivacce, soprano. Dr. Olivacce grew up on the island of Dominica in the Caribbean listening to reggae and calypso, country and gospel. She began her career in opera while in college. Olivacce is an adjunct professor of voice at Western Michigan University. She received master’s and Ph.D.degrees from the University of Michigan.
Pianist Ikuyo Nakamichi from Japan, a South Haven High School graduate, will perform on Saturday, August 4. While a student here, Nakamichi studied under Phyllis Rappaport at Western Michigan University before continuing her education in Japan. After taking numerous prizes in Japan and abroad, she
began her performing activity in Europe and Japan in 1987. With a broad repertory ranging from Classical to Romantic, Nakamichi has performed as a soloist with Japan’s leading orchestras as well as many European and American orchestras. She is recognized as one of the leading Japanese pianists in terms of both popularity and ability.
The summer portion of the Series will conclude on Friday, August 31, with a concert by Grammy winner Rhonda Larson, flute, with backup musicians from her band, Ventus. Born and raised in the mountains of Montana, Larson entered the national music scene by winning first prize in the National Flute Association’s Young Artist Competition at the age of 22. Composing much of her own music, Larson’s visionary force showcases her gold flute and an array of ethnic flutes in a new and refreshing light. As a sought-after teacher, she conducts master classes at universities, flute organizations, community outreach events, and gives individual instruction.
In its short history the Performance Series has made a positive impact on the cultural fabric of the South Haven community. Suggestions for future concerts are welcomed. Please email them to the Performance Series. Selections are made a year ahead and typically in the Fall for the next season.
Founded in 2010, the South Haven Performance Series is an all-volunteer community based organization dedicated to providing a rich mixture of professional music and the performing arts for residents and visitors of South Haven, along with performance art education opportunities for local youth.
The April 27, June 29 and August 31 concerts will be presented in the air-conditioned First United Methodist Church, 429 Michigan Avenue, while the August 4 concert is scheduled for Listiak Auditorium at South Haven High School. All concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are sold only on the evening of the concert.
