The Columbia College Department of Music presents vocalists Ann Benson, David Bankston and pianist Philip Powell on Monday, February 2, 2009 for a concert performance anyone will love, with selections ranging from the romantic to showtunes.  The program is entitled Arias, Transcriptions and more. . . and will be held in the Spears Music/Art Center concert hall at 7:30 p.m.  Admission is free. For more information call 803.786.3810.
 
The program includes a variety of selections such as Qui Sedes, Gloria by Antonio Vivaldi, L’ile Inconnue, Les Nuits d’Ete by Hector Berlioz, Nothung! Nothung! Siegfried by Richard Wagner, Worst Pies in London from Sweeney Todd by Stephen Sondheim, Suppertime, While Thousands Cheer by Irving Berlin and Poor Lazarus, a traditional field holler.

Ann Benson, a South Carolina native, is a graduate of Columbia College, where she currently serves as a member of the teaching faculty and was voted as the college’s 2005 Students’ Choice Award recipient for excellence in teaching. As a vocal instructor whose students excel, she is known as a builder of young voices of all levels who encourages an individual’s unique sound and full potential. Dr. Benson holds a Master's degree from Indiana University and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of South Carolina.  In December, she performed at the Lincoln Center in the Metropolitan Opera Guild’s Opera Learning Center. South Carolina audiences have recently enjoyed her performances in the role of Desiree in A Little Night Music, and as Mrs. Lovett in another Sondheim masterpiece, Sweeney Todd.

David Bankston is a veteran of the American music landscape, born and raised in Southern Louisiana and currently living in South Carolina. After absorbing the early influences of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Mose Allison, David's first success was with the folk-rock group, Manchild, signed to Capitol Records in the mid 1970s. After Manchild's breakup, he spent years performing nationally in musical theatre and opera. David has since become a music educator and is currently Associate Professor of Music at Coastal Carolina University near Myrtle Beach.

 
Philip M. Powell is an associate professor of music for Coastal Carolina University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in musical arts from the University of Oklahoma, a master’s degree in music and a doctorate degree in music from Indiana University. A pianist, Powell has performed throughout the United States. His concerts are frequently heard on South Carolina Public Radio. He appears regularly as an adjudicator and guest teacher for competitions and master classes throughout the United States.