Hickory – Lenoir-Rhyne University’s 2018-19 Concert Series will feature LR alumni, Adrian N. Smith and Gregory Knight, bass-baritone opera vocalist and pianist, Sunday, Feb. 10, at 3pm in Grace Chapel. The performance is free and open to the public.
With a deep, rich tone and commanding stage presence, baritone Smith is establishing himself as a rising young opera star. Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in voice performance from LR, a master’s degree in voice performance from Boston University, and was a member of the Boston University Opera Institute where he earned a certificate in opera performance. He is also an alumnus of the young artist training programs at Glimmerglass Opera, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, and Kentucky Opera.
He was a prize winner in the National Association of Teachers of Singing regional competition and the Heafner/Williams vocal competition. In 2016, Smith received first place in the South Carolina District of the Metropolitan Opera National Council auditions.
Knight started playing the piano when he was four. At the age of 11, he began studying at LR under Thelma Rast, with whom he continued until his graduation in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in piano performance. While in college, Knight was a recipient of the Hickory Music Club Award, as well as the winner of an eight-state concerto competition. In October 2014, Knight was featured on American Public Media’s “Performance Today,” the most-listened-to classical music radio show in America, reaching over 1.4 million listeners each week.
His performances have also been broadcast on WDAV’s “Carolina Live” program.
Visit adrian-n-smith.com and gregoryknightpiano.com to learn more about the performers.
Doors will open at 2:30pm. For more information, visit lr.edu/publicevents or call the LR Box Office, which is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm, at 828.328.7206.
Established in the fall of 2000, the Concert Series at Lenoir-Rhyne University serves the university community and the greater Hickory area by providing opportunities to hear and interact with superb musical artists. The Concert Series brings musical artists to the University to present concerts and recitals, work with students in the master class setting, lecture to music classes, and provide examples of professional artistry in music.
