Simone and the Jupiter String Quartet Kick-Off the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center 2011-2012 Guest Artist Season

Adelphi University Performing Arts Center is proud to present the internationally-renowned Jupiter String Quartet as part of the 2011-2012 guest artist “Masters” series, and Broadway star and recording artist Simone as part of the 2011-2012 guest artist “Spotlight” series. The Jupiter String Quartet will perform on Friday, September 23, at 7:30 p.m. in the acoustically state-of-the-art Adelphi University Performing Arts Center (AU PAC) Concert Hall, 1 South Avenue, Garden City, NY. Simone’s debut Long Island concert will take place on Saturday, September 24, at 8:00 p.m. also in the AU PAC Concert Hall. Tickets for both performances are available at pac.adelphi.edu, or by calling the AU PAC Box Office at 516.877.4000.

The Jupiter String Quartet’s performance will include Mozart’s Quartet in E-flat Major, K. 428; Prokofiev’s Quartet No. 2 in F Major, Op. 92; and Mendelssohn’s Quartet in D Major, Op. 44, No. 1. Composed of violinists Nelson Lee and Meg Freivogel, violist Liz Freivogel, and cellist Daniel McDonough, the Jupiter String Quartet will grace Adelphi’s stage for the fourth year with its dynamic performance. The Quartet will also conduct master classes for Adelphi students. Originally formed in Boston, the group has gained a national and international following, performing at various well-known venues, such as New York’s Carnegie Hall, Boston’s Jordan Hall, Mexico City’s Palacio de Bellas Artes, and Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center. The Quartet has received several prestigious honors, including first prize in the Banff International String Quartet Competition, grand prize in the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, and, most recently, an Avery Fisher Career Grant.

Simone has starred in various impressive roles on Broadway, including the musical Aida as Aida, the nationally-touring production of RENT as Mimi, and the long-running production of The Lion King. Simone is also a unique singer, songwriter, and performer whose style spans a diverse repertoire of pop, soul, jazz, rock and funk genres, echoing the tradition of her mother, musical icon and pioneer Nina Simone. Her performance has awed audiences at noteworthy venues around the globe such as the Sydney Opera House, the Montreaux Jazz Festival, and Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl.  Additionally, Simone can be heard on Tyler Perry’s, For Colored Girls movie soundtrack singing a new rendition of her mother Nina’s original classic “Four Women.” Simone has released two solo albums, Simone Superstar and Simone on Simone. Look for her new album to be released in 2012.

Tickets for Simone’s performance are $35 and $45; and for the Jupiter String Quartet’s concert $25 and $35 with discounts for students, seniors, and subscribers. Three-event subscribers will save 10%, while five-event subscribers will save 30%. Subscribers enjoy additional benefits including priority seating. To learn more about the AU PAC and to view the season schedule, please visit pac.adelphi.edu or call the AU PAC Box Office at 516.877.4000.