Karl Kolbeck and Shelley Armstrong had a recital in Ley Theater on Thursday, September 4, 2025.
The recital was held in Ley Theater, on the second floor of Wayne State College’s Brandenberg Education building on September 4, the first of many performances by the Music Department. Kolbeck, the full-time woodwind instructor, showcased five pieces on his clarinet while full-time accompanist, Shelley Armstrong, backed Kolbeck on the piano. This recital was free and open to the public and was livestreamed.
The pair played five pieces. “Theme for Clarinet” by Michele Mangani, “Kosak” by Giuseppe Ricotta, “Sanctuary at 3 AM” by Rick Sowash, “Golden Hour” by Cait Nishimura and “Sholem-alekhem, rov Feidman!” by Béla Kovács.
Repertoire challenges technical expertise with the flashy “Kosak” by Giuseppe Ricotta and the slow, lyrical “Theme for Clarinet” by Michele Mangani. The impressive “Sanctuary at 3 AM” by Rick Sowash is a gorgeous, yet melancholy, salute to safe refuge while “Golden Hour” by Cait Nishimura expresses the dancing colors of an imminent sunset. “Sholem-alekhem, rov Feidman!” by Béla Kovács honors Giora Feidman, a master performer of klezmer music and the tradition of klezmer clarinet,” the WSC website introduced the pieces.
There will be two other concerts during September if anyone missed Kolbeck’s recital. Steve Shanely is having a guest recital on September 11 in Ramsey Theater featuring the Chamber, Fortis and Lyrica choirs as well as the Jazz Band. There will also be another faculty recital with trumpet instructor Michael Genslinger and Shelley Armstrong on September 22 in Ley Theater. Both concerts will be livestreamed.
