Ariel Chamber Series ~ “TROPICAL” Violauta Duo

Sunday, April 19, 2026
2:oo p.m.
3rd floor Ariel Chamber Theatre

The historic Ariel Opera House is pleased to welcome Marshall University faculty members Dr. Júlio Ribeiro Alves, guitarist, and Dr. Wendell Dobbs, flutist who form Violauta Duo.

This is a concert of ancient and modern music for flute and guitar starting with music by the renowned Italian guitarist and luthier Luigi Legnani. Legnani is remembered both for his virtuosity and for his association with violinist Niccolo Paganini. Later in life, he turned his attention to guitar and violin making. Austrian composer and publisher Anton Diabelli is mostly remembered for his waltz which was used as the theme for Beethoven’s 30 Diabelli Variations. He was trained as a chorister at the cathedral in Salzburg. As a publisher, he championed the music of Franz Schubert. He was the first publisher of Schbert’s “Erlkönig” in 1821. Cuban American guitarist José Lezcano’s Sonatina Tropical reflects musical life in his native Cuba. En Clave de Són refers to the rhythmic foundation of the first movement. Canción de Madrugada is an early morning song. The Sonatina ends with a vivacious Samba. Italian guitarist and composer Giorgio Tortora was trained at the conservatory in Trieste and is active particularly in Italy. Serpenti e Scale is a classic board game that is also applied to language studies. In playing the game, one climbs to higher levels on ladders and then slides back down on snakes.

Seating will begin at 1:30pm in the 3rd floor Ariel Chamber Theatre.  This is a Free concert, donations are welcome.