By Sue Loughlin
TERRE HAUTE — Over the next two years, Arts Illiana and Terre Haute will host some talented international musicians as part of the Arts Midwest World Fest.
Through World Fest, four international music ensembles will visit the community for intensive, week-long residencies. “Its purpose is to foster an understanding of and appreciation for global uniqueness and differences,” said Jon Robeson, Arts Illiana executive director.
Arts Illiana was selected by Arts Midwest as the only organization in Indiana to host the events until the year 2012.
The residencies will consist of school concerts, workshops, outreach activities and free public concerts.
World Fest begins the week of Oct. 26, when the five-member Israeli Ethnic Ensemble comes to Terre Haute. For some of the band members, it will be their first visit to the United States.
The visit will culminate at 7 p.m. Oct. 29 with a free, public performance at Ivy Tech Community College’s Oakley auditorium. A ticket is required and can be obtained by calling Arts Illiana at (812) 235-5007 or Ivy Tech at (812) 298-2482.
Terre Haute has strong ties throughout the world, Robson said. “World Fest is a natural fit and a great thing for our community.”
According to Robson, Terre Haute typically does not have the resources to host week-long residencies by international artists like the Israeli Ethnic Ensemble.
Arts Midwest, a regional (nine-state) arts organization based in Minneapolis, offsets much of the cost and handles the coordination of World Fest tours.
Other sponsors are Ivy Tech, Indiana State University, St. Mary-of-the-Woods College and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Perhaps the best news is that all events will be free to the public, thanks to the four colleges and support from Candlewood Suites, Robson said.
A news conference about the event was conducted at Candlewood Suites.
Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett said the event is an exciting one for the community. “Terre Haute is a great and generous host and very accepting and eager for new experiences, and this will be one of those,” he said.
It will be a great opportunity for the community to listen to and talk with professional musicians from around the world, Bennett said.
Other events involving the Israeli Ethnic Ensemble include a brown bag event at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 26 at the Vigo County Public Library; workshops with school students; and a free performance at Coffee Grounds on Oct. 30.
In spring 2010, ISU will host a public performance of Japan’s “Agatsuma.”
In fall 2010, St. Mary-of-the-Woods College will host a performance by China’s “Beauty and Melody,” and in spring 2011, Rose-Hulman will host a performance of the French-Canadian ensemble “Mauvais Sort.”
Sue Loughlin can be reached at (812) 231-4235 or sue.loughlin@tribstar.com.
