Members of Sac State’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble are ready for MOSAIC. (Sacramento State/Craig Koscho)

In just its second year, Sacramento State’s MOSAIC Gala Concert already has become a much-anticipated music tradition. This year the University’s School of Music presents the free, student-focused performance at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at the Capistrano Concert Hall.

“The gala not only kicks off our concert season, it allows us to reconnect with our Friends of the School of Music organization and other supporters,” says school director Ernie Hills.

More than 100 students – with a smattering of faculty and special guests – will take part in 12 acts, each representing a music field of interest. Performances include solos and group offerings, ranging from classical to folk to jazz, in instrumental and vocal numbers.

As an example of the wide range of styles, the baroque ensemble Camerata Capistrano will perform a piece by Bach; the award-winning jazz singers will perform a song by pianist Bill Evans; and the Chix with Stix trio will present a Chilean folk song on the marimba.

New this year is a performance of a short, humorous scene from Domenico Cimarosa’s Il matrimonio segreto, by the School’s Opera Theatre students.

“The concert is early in the academic year, so it’s quite a challenge to organize high-quality performances,” Hills says. “But that’s exactly the kind of thing that gets our students excited for a new school year. They’re honored to perform for this enthusiastic audience.”

“MOSAIC brings in a lot of supporters and scholarship donors to see what the students are doing, which is a great experience for us,” says Samantha Fordis, one of the Chix with Stix.

Fellow Chix with Stix member Kathryn Edom is equally enthused about the concert. “Every little part of the School of Music gets to show what they’re about,” she says.

An outdoor reception in the adjacent Capistrano Grove immediately follows the concert. The gathering will include light refreshments and a chance for audience members to meet the musicians.

Although the concert is free, tickets still are required due to limited seating. Tickets may be reserved by emailing music@csus.edu or calling (916) 278-5155.

For more information on the School of Music and its programs, visit csus.edu/music or call (916) 278-5191.
– Craig Koscho