Johnson County Community College
Press Release

College Information and Publications
913-469-8500
Julie Haas, Associate Vice President, Marketing Communications, ext. 3120
Peggy Graham, Writer, ext. 3425
Tyler Cundith, Sports Information Director, ext. 3122

8/17/09
Story by Peggy Graham

Symphony Trio Opens Fall Ruel Joyce Recital Series

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Elena Lence Talley, clarinet, Alex East, cello, and Dan Velicer, piano, will perform at noon Monday, Sept. 14, in the Recital Hall of the Carlsen Center, Johnson County Community College. The trio opens the nine-week fall 2009 Ruel Joyce Recital Series featuring Kansas City classical musicians. Recitals are free and open to the public.

East is the assistant principal cellist of the Kansas City Symphony. He is also heard frequently in recitals and chamber music concerts throughout the Kansas City region and beyond. Locally, he has performed regularly in groups including Summerfest Concerts, Boulevard String Quartet and newEar and as soloist with the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra.  Before settling in Kansas City, East spent two seasons as a member of the New World Symphony, Miami. He received his training at Indiana University and the New England Conservatory of Music.

A graduate with highest honors from the University of North Texas, Talley performs frequently with the Kansas City Symphony, where she is also music librarian. She has performed with the Lyric Opera Orchestra of Kansas City, Missouri Symphony Society, Kansas City Camerata and Kansas City Chamber Orchestra. Talley is a founding member of the Lyric Arts Trio.

Velicer performs regularly with the Kansas City Symphony, the Lyric Arts Trio and Kansas City Ballet’s outreach programs and is in constant demand as an accompanist and vocal coach.  He has collaborated with well-known artists Frederica von Stade, Denyce Graves, Marietta Simpson and Richard Stolzman. Velicer attended Cornell University, majoring in anthropology and music, and Rice University, where he received a master’s degree in piano chamber music and accompanying.

The Ruel Joyce Recital Series continues at noon Mondays in the Recital Hall, except as noted:

The series, named for Ruel Joyce, a longtime jazz bassist who headed the local musicians’ federation from 1977 until his death in 1989, is cosponsored by the JCCC music departments, Community Services and the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts. Seating is available first-come, first-served.

For more information, call 913-469-8500, ext. 3605.

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