MWPAI Bulletin February 2012

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FEBRUARY 2012

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Concerts in the Court Presents Fresh Vocal Jazz Februar y 18 • 8 p.m.

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ocalist Sachal Vasandani, a fresh jazz talent with a singular, deep-brewed voice and an exceptional stage presence, brings his smooth sounds to the Concerts in the Court 8 p.m. Saturday, February 18 in the Root Sculpture Court. Vasandani was born in Chicago and while pursuing his love for music at the University of Michigan he began to be recognized as a talent of the future, most notably by DownBeat magazine, which awarded him Collegiate Jazz Vocalist of the year in 1999. His latest release, We Move, finds the young singer presenting standards and original music with a composed, subtle honesty. Winner of DownBeat magazine’s 2010 Rising Star award, he has recently appeared as a guest performer on stage and on recordings by the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Wycliffe Gordon and T.S. Monk, and has opened for such diverse artists as jazz trumpeter Chris Botti and pop singer Joan Osborne.

Tickets for this and for all Concerts in the Court are $25 for Members, $30 for General admission, $15 for Member students and $20 for General students. The Museum of Art opens at 7 p.m. so patrons may view the current exhibitions, socialize and visit the Gift Gallery. Concerts in the Court also feature a cash bar and special gallery talks at intermission. For tickets contact the Performing Arts Ticket Office at 797-0055 or 800-754-0797. Tickets are also available online at www.mwpai.org. Co-Sponsored by

Generous series support provided by

Spiridigloizzi Named New President of MWPAI

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nthony J. Spiridigloizzi has been named President of MunsonWilliams-Proctor Arts Institute by a unanimous vote of the MWPAI Board of Trustees.

Opening March 4

Spiridigloizzi, formerly Vice President and Treasurer, has served as Acting President since January 2011 following the resignation of President Daniel E. O’Leary. MWPAI Board Chair William F. Locke cited Spiridigloizzi’s 29 years of service and his dedication to the Institute. “Tony has worked tirelessly to advance the mission of MWPAI and has a clear vision for its future,” he said. “I am proud to announce that the decision was easy and unanimous.” Spiridigloizzi said 2011 saw great advances in presenting engaging programs that are being enjoyed by very diverse groups of people, specifically the exhibitions Wedded Perfection and Ansel Adams: Masterworks. He added that his immediate goal is to capitalize on these successes and focus on giving visitors the best possible experiences. “We will improve visitor services and present exhibitions, classes and performances that have broader appeal while we maintain the quality that has always defined us,” he said. Spiridigloizzi is a lifelong resident of the area. He is a 1969 graduate of Proctor High School and a 1973 graduate of Utica College. He joined MWPAI as Treasurer in 1982. In 1992 he was named Vice President of Operations and three years later named Vice President and Treasurer. “I want MWPAI to be a popular destination for everyone to learn, be entertained and socialize,” Spiridigloizzi said. “We are a community resource connecting people with art and, as an area native, I believe in our community.”