Music at St. John’s Concert Series returns

Oboist Jaren Philleo, with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, welcomes in the 2011-12 season of the Music at St. John’s Concert Series Sept. 11.

A graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music, Philleo has performed at the Marlboro Music Festival in Vermont and the Grand Teton’s Music Festival in Jackson Hole, Wyo. She will perform with a piano and bassoon.

Soprano Valerie Francis, assistant professor of music at Nicholls State University, takes the limelight Nov. 6 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Thibodaux.

Francis received her doctorate in musical arts from the University of Oklahoma. She placed first in 1994 in regional auditions for the Metropolitan Opera National Council.

The Wayne Maureau Jazz Quintet performs Jan. 29, 2012. Known for their Latin jazz flair, the quintet features Maureau on drums and percussion, joined by a saxophone, trumpet, bass and keyboards.

Maureau is an adjunct faculty percussion instructor at Loyola University and Delgado Community College. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University, he studied at Drummers Collective in New York City.

The chamber ensemble Musaica returns to the St. John’s series on March 11, 2012.

The non-profit ensemble includes professional New Orleans musicians, most of whom play with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra or teach at Loyola University.

St. John’s concerts start at 3 p.m. at the historic church, which is located at 718 Jackson St. Performances are followed by a reception.

Concertgoers can enjoy light refreshments and meet and chat with the artists.

Season tickets are $30 for adults, $15 for college students. Admission at the door is $10 per concert, $5 for students and free to those age 18 or younger.

“Donations are greatly appreciated to help keep ticket prices low,” St. John’s Concert Series chairwoman LaDonna Alexander said.

“The series promotes the study, appreciation and understanding of music by bringing excellent, recognized performers to the Tri-parish area at a modest cost,” she added.

To order tickets, mail a check, your name, physical and email addresses and telephone number to Music at St. John’s, P.O. Box 733, Thibodaux, La., 70302. For more information, call Alexander at (985) 446-1506 or visit www.stjohnsthibodaux.org.