Celebrate Marimba! and Violins of Hope at Kutztown University this November

Violin on display

KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Two world renowned events are coming to Kutztown University in November.

KU Presents! continues its partnership with the Center for Mallet Percussion Research at Kutztown University to present Celebrate Marimba!, a 40-piece marimba orchestra, conducted by marimbist/composer Gordon Stout at 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 7, at Schaeffer Auditorium.

Consisting of 20 invited professionals and 20 advanced marimbists selected from a round of rigorous auditions, they will perform historic works, new and commissioned works from international composers, including a beautiful composition by Mexican composer Ricardo Gallardo with women's chorale.

Tickets are $20; $18 for students and seniors and can be purchased at www.KutztownPresents.org, or by calling the KU Presents! Box Office 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, at 610-683-4092.

Don't miss Violins of Hope Reading, an exhibit that tells the extraordinary stories of violins played by Jewish musicians during one of history's darkest times – the Holocaust – bringing a message of unity and inclusion for the whole community. You can experience this exhibit at multiple locations in Reading, plus concerts, lectures, interfaith gatherings and more. Experience the music, explore the history! Violins of Hope Reading is presented by the Reading Symphony Orchestra and the Jewish Federation of Reading in partnership with Alvernia University, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts and Kutztown University.

Violins of Hope Reading will have pieces on display at the New Media Gallery in the Sharadin Arts Building at Kutztown University Nov. 1-14. View a presentation by Violins of Hope curator, Avshi Weinstein, and a performance by Kutztown University faculty and student ensemble at 7:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 8, at Schaeffer Auditorium on the Kutztown University campus. This event is free and open to the public. Visit www.violins-of-hope.com for details on other events across Berks County.

Established to be the center of cultural life at Kutztown University, KU Presents! serves the campus and community by bringing world-class live arts that entertain, educate and enrich.