(Posted September 6, 2005)


HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- American poetry written by some of the nation's finest contemporary poets will be read by National Public Radio personality Neal Conan with Celtic musical accompaniment by the group Ensemble Galilei as part of "Universe of Dreams" at Juniata College at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17 in Rosenberger Auditorium in the Halbritter Center for the Performing Arts on the Juniata campus.

The poems and spoken-word stories will center on the universe, creation and other cosmic issues. A slide show featuring spectacular views of the cosmos from the Hubble Telescope and other observation points complements the music and poetry.

For tickets and information about the Juniata College Artist Series, please call (814) 641-3605. General admission tickets for single performances are $20, except where otherwise noted. Single-show tickets for seniors over age 65 and children age 18 and under are $12. Juniata College students are admitted free with a student ID.

Poems by such visionary writers as Mary Oliver, Jane Kenyon, May Sarton and Lucille Clifton, as well as several stories will be read by Neal Conan, host of NPR's "Talk of the Nation" and a well-known reporter for many of NPR's news programs.

Conan's narrative will be accompanied by the Celtic music group, Ensemble Galilei, who specialize in Irish, Scottish and early music played on Celtic harp, Scottish small pipes, viola da gamba, fiddle, recorders, whistles and percussion.

The group will perform such tunes as "Scollay's Reel," "King of the Fairies," "Old Grey Cat, " "Andrew Carr" and "Tambourin." The group also will perform original compositions by members of the ensemble, including "Ladies Sigh No More," "Lament for Airmid" and "No Longer Mourn for Me."

Ensemble Galilei members are: Sue Richards, Celtic harp; Deborah Nuse, pipes and fiddle; Liz Knowles, fiddle; Carolyn Anderson Surrick, viola; Kathryn Montoya, oboe and recorder; and Laura Jordan, percussion.




Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.