A List
11/3/03

'MUSIC + WORDS' THEME FOR RECITAL AT ST. LAWRENCE

CANTON – Songs that began as poetry, and songs that began as melodies will 
both be featured in the Gretchen Bence Young Artist Recital, to be performed 
by tenor James Ruff on Sunday, November 9, at 4 p.m. in Gilbert Recital Hall 
at St. Lawrence University. The event is open to the public, free of charge.
      The first part of the program features songs that were written first 
as poetry, then set to music. The second half features songs by Richard 
Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, all of which began with Rodgers' music and were 
completed with lyrics by Hart.
	Ruff has been praised for his singing in a wide variety of musical 
styles on both the concert and operatic stage. An aficionado of early music, 
he has performed with the Handel & Haydn Society, the Newberry Consort, 
the King's Noyse, New York Collegium, Early Music New York, Aradia Ensemble, 
New York State Baroque, Ensemble Abendmusik and Arcadia Players. Ruff 
holds degrees in vocal performance from the University of Southern California 
and Boston University, and participated in the Young Artist Programs of 
Glimmerglass Opera and the Opera Theatre of St. Louis.
      The Young Artists Series was established by contributions from the 
family and friends of Gretchen Bence, a 1950 graduate of St. Lawrence and 
a professional opera singer, following her receipt of an honorary degree 
from St. Lawrence in 1985.

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