Caine College of the Arts Hosts Gabriela Lena Frank at Dean's Convocation

LOGAN, Utah — Utah State University’s Caine College of the Arts will host acclaimed composer Gabriela Lena Frank for a week of residency activities including the college’s Dean’s Convocation on Nov. 1 and a formal concert featuring her works on Nov. 2.

The convocation address, “Composer as Cultural Witness,” will be given by Frank at 5 p.m. Nov. 1 in the Russell/Wanlass Performance Hall. This convocation is free and open to all.

The music of Frank will be performed by USU music students, faculty and alumni the following evening, Nov. 2. This performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Russell/Wanlass Performance Hall. Tickets are free for all USU students, faculty and staff. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $8 for seniors (65+).

During this Nov. 2 concert, there will be a world premiere by the Fry Street Quartet of a new quartet composed by Frank entitled “A Psalm of Disquiet.”

According to the Caine College event website, Frank’s appearance for the convocation lecture and performance of her music is the culmination of a four-year residency in Utah State’s music department led by the members of the Fry Street Quartet and supported by the Marie Eccles Caine Foundation — Russell Family, the Tanner Trust for Universities, differential tuition provided by students of the college, and other generous donors.

Robert Waters, USU music professional practice professor & Fry Street Quartet member, said the quartet has been lucky enough to experience the powerful presence of Frank in smaller contexts, so it’s exciting to bring her “razor sharp intelligence and perception of the world of music,” to a larger audience.

"Gabriela’s work is in high demand right now with the successful San Francisco premiere of her new opera, her recent Heinz Award, and her residency with the Philadelphia Orchestra to name just a few examples. We’ve been so fortunate to have had her time and attention on students and projects here at USU,” said Rebecca McFaul, USU music professional practice professor & Fry Street Quartet member.

Waters said Frank will be speaking about her own experiences as a composer, an artist, a creative person and an educator in today’s society.

McFaul said she hopes the convocation attendees leave the events feeling inspired and empowered after hearing the “infectious imagination” of Frank.

For more information about the Caine College of the Arts’ Dean’s Convocation with Gabriela Lena Frank, check out this site.