Feb. 11, 2003

Contact: Kerri Conan, School of Fine Arts, (785) 864-5567.

Special guests gather for organ scholarship 'pops' benefit Feb. 22 at KU

LAWRENCE -- Polly Bales is one of several guest organists performing in the 2003 Scholarship Benefit Pops Concert and Silent Auction at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, in Bales Organ Recital Hall. Admission is free and open to the public. Proceeds from all donations will benefit the KU Organ Scholarship Fund.

Bales will be joined by KU faculty, alumni and current students, including James Higdon and Michael Bauer, professors of music and dance, and Elizabeth Berghout, assistant professor of music and dance; alumni Tandy C. Reussner and Daniel Berghout; and Rita van de Lune, Kansas City, Mo., graduate student, Geoff Ward, Lawrence graduate student, and the winner of the first benefit competition. Genaro Mendez Jr., assistant professor of voice, will sing. Lee Reussner will serve as master of ceremonies.

The crowd-pleasing program is designed to display the versatility of the organists and the Bales Recital Hall organ. It features the "Peer Gynt Suite," beloved KU songs, a rousing rendition of John Williams' music from the movie "Star Wars" and the music from Charlie Chaplin's "The Count," complete with organ accompaniment and sound effects.

Proceeds from the silent auction, conducted in conjunction with the concert, also will directly benefit the KU Organ Scholarship Fund. Begun in spring 2000 by Lee and Tandy Reussner, the fund allows top-notch organ students from all over the world to attend KU.

Reservations are strongly suggested for the 6:45 p.m. seating. Guests without reservations will be admitted at 7:15 p.m. if seats are still available. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. For more information or to make reservations, please contact the Bales Organ Recital Hall office at (785) 864-2798.