The Alloy Horn Quartet is composed of four professional French Horn players from Chicago. This program, while primarily classical in nature, is full of diverse music that showcases the versatility and beauty of the French Horn. Alloy will talk about the French Horn (Is it really French? Why do we hold it so strangely? Is it really the hardest instrument?), about the music, and about the composers between pieces of classical, light jazz, and old favorites. You are sure to be engaged, entertained, and surprised to hear that the French Horn can do so many different things!

"N proves that the need for human relationship goes beyond our social contrivances and comes from a deeper well that we have no control over." Theater World -Ruth Smerling

Renowned Chicago playwright, David Alex's gripping play "N" comes to Lewis University! Mrs. Page is an African-American widow; a passionate social political conservative who campaigned for Barry Goldwater. Eddy, a liberal young white struggling actor, is her caregiver. During the rehearsal process the playwright adds the N-Word to the script. Eddy is repulsed by the word. "It makes my skin crawl." Mrs. Page and Eddy learn something from each other and as well as about themselves while Eddy struggles to decide if he can perform the play and remain the person he hopes to be.

"N" was a semi-finalist in the National Arts Club Playwrights First Competition.

Matthew McCright's performs a piano concert, "Forward Looking Back," at Lewis University. Recently performed by McCright at Carnegie Hall, the titular work by Dorothy Hindman serves as the anchor point to this program that explores the cycles of time —both of the future and our collective pasts. Andrea Mazzariello's As Far As You Can Stretch a Web visits his remembered past in relation to the piano while Mike McFerron loops us through the infinite series in ...apprehension of the eternal will. The pianist's own past and current love of jazz swirls through works by Terry Riley and Laura Caviani, flanked by the persistence of Rob Voisey's work and the 25th Anniversary of Paul Dresher's masterpiece Blue Diamonds.

I want to see the world, not by the whole, but by the all too beautiful small things.

These words, written by Ryan Harris, were the catalyst for LYNX Project's Amplify Series, a project setting the words of autistic youth who are primarily nonspeaking to song for voice and piano. Started in 2016, from an initial collaboration with Ryan and his peers, the Amplify Series has grown into a multi-year project that has shared the voices and artistry of dozens of youth, composers, and performers.

The words of these young writers have brought smiles and tears to audiences across the country, and members of the autism community have expressed feeling heard, valued, and seen through these concerts. Now, LYNX is bringing their Amplify Series to Lewis University.

Join us for an evening celebrating these songs and come to understand individuals whose voices are valuable but so rarely heard.

Experience the historic Mark Twain! In this one-of-a-kind show, Warren Brown brings the famed American writer to life and talks about his life and the philosophies which made him the unique personality and writer known throughout the world. If you have ever wished to ask a question of Mark Twain join us for this interactive dialogue and performance.

Warren Brown is one of the premier Mark Twain impersonators. He has spent his life learning about the real Mark Twain and has traveled the country interacting audiences to bring Mark Twain back to life. Through his performances, people can once again hear of Mark Twain's life adventures and world views.

uncompromising musicianship... breathtaking precision and dimension...Nuances of phrasing that place the Trio among the world's finest chamber ensemble -San Angelo Standard Times

The Zodiac Trio closes out the 2021-2022 Arts&Ideas Performing Arts Series with an eclectic concert that will include a little something for everyone. One of today's premiere clarinet-violin-piano ensembles, the Zodiac Trio is known for presenting masterpieces for their unconventional instrumentation alongside hidden gems, arrangements, and the occasional duo/solo in a concert experience marked with a special gusto, virtuosity and energy.