Arkansas State University’s Fowler Center Series begins on Thursday, Sept. 20, at 7:30 p.m. when the extraordinary acoustics of Riceland Hall provide the venue for Capella of Russia, a 50-voice chorus. Capella’s appearance is also the first of four concerts in the Riceland Distinguished Performance Series.

Under the direction of chief conductor Valery Polyansky, the State Symphony Capella of Russia is renowned for its phrasing, expression, and rich, warm tone, a trademark of Russian choruses. It is also known for its nobility of expression and its skillfully balanced sections. Created in 1991 when the U.S.S.R. State Chamber Chorus and the State Symphony Orchestra of the U.S.S.R. merged, Capella’s extensive repertoire includes traditional Russian choral music and folk songs, and also classical works by such composers as Mozart, Schubert, Bruckner, Liszt, Verdi, Cherubini, Brahms, Britten, Dvorak, and Schnittke.

Rachmaninov’s "The Bells" and Stravinsky’s "Wedding" are included in this repertoire, and conductor Valery Polyansky is recognized as a leading interpreter of the works of Sergei Rachmaninov and other Russian composers. Polyansky’s commitment to the music of Rachmaninov is extensive; in addition to serving as the president of the Rachmaninov Music Society, Polyansky has also recorded Rachmaninov’s complete choral and orchestral works. He has also invested time and energy into performing works of neglected Russian composers like Alfred Schnittke, Sergei Taneyev, and Nikolai Miaskovsky, as well as unearthing works from Alexander Grechaninov and Dimitri Bortnyansky.

As well as performing in Russia, Capella has toured in Spain, Hungary, France, Holland, Germany, Sweden, Canada, England, Italy, and other European countries. Capella has achieved critical acclaim for its flawless technique and clear, precise intonation.

Tickets for all Fowler Center Series events may be purchased by calling 870-972-2781 or 1-888-278-3267, or online at http://tickets.astate.edu. On performance evenings, the box office in Fowler Center opens one hour prior to the event.

Ticket prices are $30 and $20 for adults; $23 and $15 for ASU faculty and staff, senior adults, and K-12 students; and $10 and $6 for ASU students.

See http://www.fowlercenter.astate.edu/ticketinfo.html for season ticket information, including prices, or call the Fowler Center at 870-972-3471 for more information.