[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/ianparker.jpg” caption=”Ian Parker, who has been called the next big talent to come out of Canada’s classical music scene. He will perform in Convocation Hall – University Hall 213 on Feb. 10 at 8 p.m.”]The School of the Arts has announced its new lineup of uplifting concerts in the Celebrity Concert Series.

The first performance this year features Valerie Tryon on January 27 in Convocation Hall. This internationally acclaimed pianist performed for the BBC in her native England before the age of 12, and has appeared on the concert stage all over the world, including The London Philharmonic and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

Other upcoming performances include Ian Parker, who has been called the next big talent to come out of Canada's classical music scene. He will perform in Convocation Hall – University Hall 213 on Feb. 10 at 8 p.m.

The Vogler Quartet, is the last in the 05-06' concert lineup. This quartet is full of seasoned veterans of the music scene having been established in East Berlin since 1985. Not only have they mastered a repertoire of more than 200 works from all periods and musical styles, they have performed all over the world winning prize after prize leaving no doubt as to their mastery of the classical quartet genre. In celebration of their twentieth anniversary world tour they will be celebrating the birth of Mozart (250) and Shostakovich (100) by performing the works of these musical geniuses.

Free lunchtime concerts will continue in Convocation Hall every Tuesday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. On Feb. 7, Mike Polci's brass quartet will add a bounce to your step, and on Feb. 28, there will be a performance by Gary Nagata's Taiko Drum Ensemble. If relaxation is what you are looking for, check out flute and piano duet, Suzanne Shulman and Valerie Tryon, on March 28.

For more information visit http://sota.humanities.mcmaster.ca/ or phone for tickets at ext. 24246.