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ARTS & CULTURE
KANSAN.COM
Flutist Seth Morris prepares for competition in Japan
▶ HANNAH COLEMAN
@hecoleman33
Professional flutist Stel Morris visited and performed at the University as a part of the University's Visiting Artist Series. Morris will be involved in a competition in Kobe, Japan, for up-and-coming flutists.
Contributed photo
professional flutist Seth Morris is set to compete in Kobe, Japan, for a chance to be named one of the best young performers in his craft. Morris, a visiting musician as part of the University's Visiting Artist Series, is one of only two Americans invited, out of the 53 total participants from 18 different countries.
The prestigious competition will be held in May. It is held every four years and, according to the official website, provides,"young, promising flutists from around the world the opportunity to launch their professional careers."
Before that, Morris showcased his repertoire to students at the University at a performance Monday at Swarthout Recital Hall.
Morris said he sees conducting masterclasses at universities and being a part of the Visiting Artist Series as another great opportunity to perform in front of students and other community members to hone his skills and that of others.
"Teaching allows me to interact with, and hopefully help, a variety of flute players
at different stages in their musical development, career and life." Morris said. "No matter the age or ability, I always tell my students that everyone is on their own journey. Not only does it help them focus on their own progress, but it forces me to tailor my teaching to each individual rather than prescribing one general philosophy. It keeps me engaged and constantly thinking of new methods to help my students."
Morris currently serves as the Principal Flute with the Houston Grand Opera and Houston Ballet Orchestra. He has also been a part of several other accomplished orchestras, and manages his own private studio.
Morris has also taught at many universities across the country.
Originally, Morris sang in the children's choir at his church, and eventually wanted to learn how to play an instrument. At 10 years old, he signed up to play for his school band, not sure of what instrument to play. After testing the different instruments' mouthpieces, he discovered that the flute was the only one he could get a sound out of.
"For a long time I believed I was behind everyone else, that I was a 'late bloomer' on
the flute," Morris said. "Rather than wallow in my negative assessment of myself, I used it as motivation to tell myself, 'I want to be able to do that.' With each step of my education, and eventually career, I have had a similar attitude, constantly trying to improve and achieve greater things."
Playing flute gradually became less of an accidental discovery, and more of an intentional practice at learning and mastering an instrument that according to Morris, "soars above the orchestra."
"I love how the flute sings," Morris said. "There is no resistance on the flute, so, of all the instruments, it
is most akin to the human voice."
Playing in ballet symphonies and orchestras alike, Morris gets to experience the joys of both unique types of music. Participating in this range of performance, Morris has to consistently perform to his best ability for the amount of shows that ballets have, such as "The Nutcracker" nearly forty shows.
"With ballet, there is such lush music where I am afforded the chance to play out as if in a symphony orchestra," Morris said. "In opera, the music is much more sensitive, and one must always have an ear on the singers. However,
I find it incredibly helpful to have such vocal artistry and story line from which to draw inspiration for my own playing."
"I start to play, and instantly I am compelled to evoke an emotion or character that will connect with my audience," Morris said. "We're always told to project, to play out to the back row of the hall — which certainly is valuable — but I especially love the moments when the music is whisper quiet; there is an energy in the air that truly draws the listener onto the stage."
Though Morris said he tends to be more introverted, being on stage erases his reservations.
Benjamin Smolen, a professional flutist that has gotten to know Morris during their time performing together in the New England Conservatory, sees Morris' work as an opportunity for students to learn from someone as accomplished as he is.
"Students at KU are so lucky to get to work with Seth and hear him perform live," Smolen said. "His performances are always electrifying, and his teaching is unique in that it draws from his background in opera and ballet and from his own ideas of the flute as a vehicle for lyricism and expression."
Many of the qualities Morris aims for audiences to hear in his music are some of the best and most unique aspects of it, according to Smolen.
"A performance by Seth draws the listener in and takes them on a vivid journey through his imagination," Smolen said. "Seth isn't afraid to take musical risks, which makes his performances very exciting."
In the future, Morris said he would like to release a solo album, and also teach at a university, in addition to his orchestral playing.
Award-winning musical 'Pippin' coming to Lied Center
HANNAH COLEMAN
@hecoleman33
Broadway is coming to Lawrence this Thursday with the musical "Pippin" at the Lied Center. Winner of four Tony Awards in 2013, this musical production is known for its feats of acrobatics and songs from the composer of "Wicked," another highly-acclaimed musical. The director of the show is Tony award-winning Diane Paulus.
The story follows Pippin, a young prince, who sets out to find an adventure and add color to his life. Pippin goes to war to show loyalty to his father, King Charles. But, convinced he needs to fight his father's tyrannical rule, Pippin fights his father to claim the throne.
Derek Kwan, director of the Lied Center, said the performing arts center tries to bring in a critically acclaimed Broadway show every season that the Lawrence community has not yet seen. He said it is an exciting edition to the community and will be the first time that the national Broadway touring production of "Pippin" will be performed at the Lied Center.
"The national touring production of 'Pippin' fits that bill perfectly having won the 2013 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical," Kwan said.
Kwan was able to see the musical when it won the Tony Award in 2013 when he was working in New York City, and he's looking forward to seeing it again.
The combination of the story, acrobatics and music make it an extremely compelling show."
Derek Kwan Director of Lied Center
"The combination of the story, acrobatics and music make it an extremely compelling show," Kwan said. "The aerial and circus elements of 'Pippin' make it a truly unique Broadway
show."
In order to prepare for the musical to take the stage, Kwan said the Lied Center had much to do from a marketing and promotional perspective with web advertisements, social media, radio TV and print.
Kwan said that there will be over 50 personnel on the tech crew on Thursday morning, most of whom are students, to help unload and set up the multiple semitrucks of equipment.
Justin Evans, live music coordinator for Student Union Activities, said he has planned and coordinated a "Dinner and a Show" event that will allow students with a valid ID to get dinner before the show. Tickets are $25 per individual, which includes the dinner, as well as admission to "Pippin," or $40 for a pair. The event will take place in Seymour Gallery in the Lied Center at 5 p.m.
"Working with the Lied Center, SUA creates a great opportunity for students to see a traveling play production and also enjoy buffet dinner at a discounted
price." Evans said.
Tickets for "Pippin" are available for purchase for
$21 for students through the Lied Center website. The performance will begin at
7:30 p.m on Feb. 2.
Edited by Erin Brock
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