October 9, 2007

LIVINGSTON, Ala.--The Sumter County Fine Arts Council presents Italian string musicians the Quartetto di Venezia, or Venice Quartet, Tuesday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m. in the University of West Alabama’s Bell Conference Center.

The Quartetto di Venezia was founded more than 20 years ago by four musicians with a common musical vision, and throughout its history, these artists have concentrated on the qualities of sonority, balance and technique that give this ensemble its distinctively Italian charm and flair. The quartet includes Andrea Vio, violin; Alberto Battiston, violin; Luca Morassutti, viola; and Angelo Zanin, cello. The Livingston concert will feature pieces by Italian composers Boccherini, Cherubini, Sollima and Verdi.

In addition to annual appearances throughout Italy, the Quartetto di Venezia has toured extensively in Europe and the United States, with additional performances in Canada, Latin America, Japan and Korea. The ensemble has had the honor of playing for the late Pope John Paul II, the president of the Italian Republic and the president of the European Union.

Prior to the concert, the Sumter County Fine Arts Council has also planned a dinner to complete the Italian evening. Featuring pasta, tiramisu and other traditional Italian fare, the dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. at a cost of $10.75 per person, which includes a concert ticket. Reservations must be made by Oct. 23 to ensure seating. Please contact Vivian Hauser at 205-652-3611 for reservations. The dinner is optional, and seating in the conference center will also be available for those attending only the concert.

The Sumter County Fine Arts Council season will continue with the UWA Musical Christmas Card in December, “See There in the Distance: A Tribute to Marian Anderson” created and performed by Ruby Hinds in February and the Mississippi Symphony in April. The SCFAC also supports the Black Belt’s own syndicated radio program, the Sucarnochee Revue, taped live at UWA. Revue shows are held throughout the year on the Livingston campus.                     

Admission for the Quartetto di Venezia performance is free for Sumter County Fine Arts Council members and UWA students with proper I.D. Admission for all others is $7 for adults and $2 for children.

The SCFAC receives support from the Alabama State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, The University of West Alabama and other agencies, businesses and individuals. For more information about the season’s schedule or about becoming a SCFAC member, please visit www.scfac.uwa.edu.