Screen Shot 2016-04-20 at 9.14.09 AMThe Winona State Department of Music will present the eighth annual Gala Weekend Friday, April 22, through Sunday, April 24, in the Performing Arts Center.

Along with the department’s large ensembles, they will also host an artist residency by renowned trumpet player Charles Lazarus. Lazarus, a member of the Minnesota Orchestra, is a Yamaha Performing Artist.

WSU will host “Charting Your Own Course: Entrepreneurship for Musicians” with Lazarus at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, in the Performing Arts Center, room 159. Lazarus will also present “Trumpet 101 + The Basics & Beyond” at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 21, in the Performing Arts Center, room 159.

Gala weekend will kick off with a performance by the WSU Jazz Ensemble, featuring Lazarus and conducted by Rich MacDonald, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 22, in the Performing Arts Center, Vivian Fusillo Theatre.

The Gala continues with the WSU Orchestra, featuring Lazarus and conducted by Paul Vance, at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 23, in the Performing Arts Center, Vivian Fusillo Theatre.

At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23, the WSU Choirs will take the stage directed by Harry Mechell. This event is free to WSU students, faculty and staff, and $10 for community members.

The last concert of the Gala Weekend will feature the WSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble, featuring Lazarus and directed by Donald Lovejoy, at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 24, in the Performing Arts Center, Vivian Fusillo Theatre.

Concerts are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.

For more information, contact the Department of Music Office at 507-457-5250.