University News

WIU Alumnus to Serve as Guest Artist with Western's Symphony Orchestra Dec. 8

November 21, 2017

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MACOMB, IL - The Western Illinois University Symphony Orchestra will welcome guest artist Richard Furman, a WIU alumnus and Macomb native, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 in the College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC) Recital Hall.

The concert is open free to the public.

Furman was selected as one of nine finalists in the 2014 International Wagner Competition. He also received the top award from the New York City Wagner Society.

Furman's early career includes playing tenor leads across the U.S. for top companies in Pittsburgh, PA; Cincinnati, OH; Portland, OR; Brooklyn, NY; Springfield, MO; Dayton, OH; Indianapolis, IN; Omaha, NE and New York City's prestigious Carnegie Hall.

Furman is currently performing in Germany as a Heldentenor, which is a powerful tenor voice suitable for heroic roles in opera. Furman has received critical-acclaim for his performances.

WIU School of Music students will be able to enjoy a masterclass with Furman during his visit, focusing on preparing for auditions.

The Symphony Concert will open with Furman singing from Act 2 of "Fidelio" by Beethoven, followed by the Symphony No. 5, "Reformation," by Mendelssohn. A brief intermission will follow. The symphony will return with "Tristan and Isolde: Prelude by Wagner" and Furman will return to the stage with two arias from "Die Walküre," also by Wagner.

More information about Furman can be found at ricfurman.com/about-us.html.


Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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