5/9/2013 12:00:00 AM

The Performing Arts Department invites you to come celebrate the spring season early this June with a week of free live musical performances. Music students and faculty will kick the concert series off with a Chamber Music Recital hosted by Music Program Director Luke Abruzzo, Sunday, June 2, 5 p.m. at the Main Building’s A.J. Drexel Picture Gallery located at 3141 Chestnut St. Philadelphia.

On Wednesday, June 5, the Mediterranean Ensemble will perform music from Arabic, Greek and Israeli cultures under the direction of Bruce Kaminsky at 6:30 p.m. at the Mandell Theater.

Music Professor and Jazz Ensemble Director Dr. George Starks will direct the Drexel Jazz Orchestra’s spring concert at the Mandell on Thursday, June 6 at 8 p.m., featuring senior soloists performing classic tunes from the masters of big band jazz.

The Outdoor Music Festival organized by Professor Scott Bacon, Friday, June 7 will take place starting at 2 p.m. and lasting until 5 p.m. at the Lancaster Walk on 34th St. and Lancaster Ave. The festival celebrates the last day of classes with performances by our fusion, guitar, rock and percussion ensembles. Also on June 7, the All-College Choir, directed by Scott Bacon, and the University Orchestra, directed by Paul Bryan, will perform a concert at 7:30 p.m. in the Main Auditorium at 3141 Chestnut St.

The music continues over the weekend at the Mandell Theater with choral events including the annual Gospel Choir spring concert on Saturday, June 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mandell Theater. The “Night of Ministries” performance, under the direction of Rev. Greg Ross, features The Gospel Choir and the Drexel University Praise Dancers, as well as vocal, spoken word, dancing, and mime performances from individual choir members.

The choral events continue with the University Chorus and Chamber Singers “Great Court Concert” on Sunday, June 9 at 3 p.m. (Great Court in Main Building). This concert will feature a performance of composer Morten Lauridsen’s “Lux Aeterna” and Benjamin Britten’s “Five Flower Songs.” The spring performance week comes to a close at the Mandell Theater later that evening with a 7 p.m. Concert Band Pops performance of light classics and swing featuring guest vocalists.

All events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Aleksandra Ola Baldych