Renowned lute player returns to PSU

Hopkinson Smith, called by some the finest lute player in the world, returns to Pittsburg State University on Thursday, Nov. 9, as part of the 2006-2007 Solo and Chamber Music Series. Smith will perform at 7:30 p.m. in McCray Recital Hall. Dr. Susan Marchant, series director, said Smith's third appearance on the series is a result of popular demand.

Smith lives in Basel, Switzerland, where he teaches at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis. Smith gives frequent concerts and master classes throughout Eastern and Western Europe and in North and South America. He has an extensive discography, which includes more than 20 solo recordings. His most recent release is "Dowland: A Dream."

Since the mid '80s, Smith has focused principally on solo music for early plucked instruments. In addition to the Renaissance lute, these include the vihuela, the orbo, Renaissance and baroque guitars and the baroque lute.

Tickets for the performance are $10 for the general public and $7 for persons over 65 or under 18. Tickets may be purchased in advance through the PSU Ticket Office in advance, phone: 620-235-4796; or on the Web at www.pittstate.edu/union/tickets/.

Learn more about Hopkinson Smith and hear his music on the Web at www.hopkinsonsmith.com.

---Pitt State---