"This season celebrates talented performers from Central New York and around the world," John Shaffer, director of arts programming for the SUNY Oswego program, said. "Access to both is vital to a rich and balanced cultural experience."
     Robert Auler, concert pianist and SUNY Oswego associate professor of music, is featured soloist for Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 ("Emperor") when Symphony Syracuse—unofficial name for the newly formed Musical Associates of Central New York—presents a program of classics at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17.
     While Auler has played concert engagements from Hawaii to Vienna, Waterman Theatre —the stage for all 2012-13 Performing Artist Series engagements—is his home venue. The concert, among the first for the newly reorganized regional orchestra, will also feature works from Bach to Hindemith.
     Cantus Vocal Ensemble, which brings its polished stylings to Oswego at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 1, was launched on the campus of Minnesota's St. Olaf College—long known for its choral tradition. Since 1998, Cantus has evolved into a fully professional touring ensemble, auditioning and selecting new members from across the United States. Known to many through their appearances on NPR's "Prairie Home Companion," the ensemble is widely recognized as one of America's premier vocal groups.
Dance steps
     The Brian Brooks Moving Company brings a contemporary choreographic vision to the series at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 27. Based in New York City, Brooks' athletically exuberant dancers have been featured at venues from Jacob's Pillow to the American Dance Festival. His latest work, "Big City," was created during a residency in Santa Barbara last spring.
     Artswego is one of several presenters selected to bring Brooks' adventurous new work to audiences nationwide through the National Dance Project, supported by the New England Foundation for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.
     On Tuesday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m.—as a preview for St. Patrick's Day—Oswego welcomes the international cast of Celtic Nights with "Journey of Hope," the newest of the lavish productions inspired by the success of Riverdance in 1995.
In the midst of a nationwide tour, 14 vocalists, musicians and step-dancers mix entertainment with a dash of cultural history—the story of Irish immigration to America. The production is the latest offering from the producers of Gaelforce Dance, which has brought audiences to their feet around the globe.
     In addition to its mainstage performances, Artswego will host a benefit screening of the video version of "Cry for Peace: Voices from the Congo" at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2. The screening, offered through a partnership with the Arts Engage program at Syracuse University, will be introduced by co-creators Ping Chong and Kyle Bass.
     Funds raised through a nominal $5 admission fee will support the work of Panzi Hospital in the Congo, which assists victims of the long and violent conflicts in that country.
     Complete information on SUNY Oswego arts programs is available at oswego.edu/arts. Tickets may be purchased at all college box offices, online at tickets.oswego.edu or by calling 312-2141.