Dr. Deborah Freedman
director of the Kearney Symphony Orchestra (KSO), 308.865.8631 or freedmand2@unk.edu
The Kearney Symphony Orchestra, along with Triple Play and local choirs, will fill the air with Christmas favorites and jazz tunes in “Music of the Stars” at the Merryman Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 4.
Directed by Dr. Deborah Freedman, the Kearney Symphony Orchestra, choirs and Triple Play will perform numerous arrangements by Chris Brubeck, son of famous American jazz pianist Dave Brubeck. Vocalists performing will include members of choirs from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Kearney High School, Kearney Catholic High School, Sunrise Middle School, Horizon Middle School and Faith Christian School.
Admission is $10 for adults and free for students with identification; however, all will need to reserve their tickets. Tickets are available through the UNK Box Office at 308.865.8417.
Triple Play is a group of three musicians—Peter “Madcat” Ruth, Joel Brown and Brubeck. The ensemble performs music “…in the spirit of folk, blues, jazz and classical genres.” Brubeck and Ruth have toured and recorded together in different settings and groups since 1969, first as rock musicians in New Heavenly Blue with albums on RCA and Atlantic Records, Sky King with albums on Columbia Records, and as jazz musicians touring with Dave Brubeck.
In 1999, Ruth, Brubeck and Brown formed Triple Play, and have released five albums. The trio continues to play in concert halls, clubs and festivals all over the country, including performing many of Brubeck’s symphonic arrangements with different orchestras.
“Several times over the years, Chris Brubeck has performed with my orchestras,” Dr. Freedman said. “He is a stellar performer and warms the hearts of all those who hear his band. With Joel Brown and Peter Madcat Ruth, a new level of communication is born using instruments ranging from banjo to trombone, guitar and jaw harp.”
The Nebraska Arts Council, a state agency, has supported the Kearney Symphony Orchestra through its matching grants program funded by the Nebraska Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.
