About
Sponsored by Virginia Tech School of the Arts in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, ArtsFusion 2008 is a weeklong celebration of the Arts occurring April 12 – 19, on campus and throughout the New River Valley. The overarching goal for ArtsFusion is to heighten awareness of the multi-faceted, vibrant arts scene in our community. We strive to highlight a wide range of arts events that appeal to audiences of all ages.
The ArtsFusion 2008 theme, “A Celebration of the Arts as Human Spirit” was chosen to acknowledge that this April is different from past ArtsFusion April celebrations. This year we will remember the tragic day that shook our campus, community, and country. We will remember and honor those we lost and remember the tremendous outpouring of human spirit that expressed itself through the art of so many from near and far. This year our community will gather together to celebrate life and human spirit through concerts, performances, visual arts and creative expression.
The kick-off event for ArtsFusion 2008 is the New River Valley Symphony performance of Johannes Brahm’ Ein deutsches Requiem. One of the greatest pieces of western art music and text, Brahms’ Requiem transcends religious boundaries and provides comfort to us all. Massive in its orchestration and demanding in its libretto, this masterpiece requires consummate artistry and will showcase the extraordinary musicianship of our community orchestra. Joining the Symphony will be the Blacksburg Master Chorale and the Virginia Tech University Choirs. Tickets for the kick-off event are $8 and $5 for students and seniors and are available in advance at www.uusa.vt.edu The New River Valley Symphony is sponsored by the Department of Music in the Virginia Tech School of the Arts.
Other musical events include the New River Community College Fiddle, Banjo and Dance Club Jamboree, WUVT’s 60th anniversary bash at Awful Arthur’s, dedication of the VCOM Amphitheatre at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, Juxtaposition, Blacksburg Community Band, Virginia Tech Jazz Band, and three nights of entertainment at the Floyd Country Store.
Theatrical events include the School of the Arts Department of Theatre Arts production Lightning at Our Feet directed by Obie-winning, new faculty member Bob McGrath. This original production based on the writings of Emily Dickinson, incorporates the trailblazing, multi-media theatrical techniques that have garnered critical acclaim for Bob and his collaborators at Ridge Theatre in New York City.
Visual arts events are many and include the Montgomery Museum and Lewis Miller Regional Arts Center in Christiansburg, the Fine Arts Center of the New River Valley in Pulaski, and Blacksburg and Virginia Tech gallery exhibits at Miller Off Main Street, the Matrix Gallery, the Art Armory Gallery, and the XYZ Gallery.
For a complete listing of events that also includes dance, film, creative technologies, and creative writing and communication, please visit the events page.