WT Musicians to Breathe Life into da Vinci’s Notebooks in April 19 Multimedia Event

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, [email protected]

CANYON, Texas - The words and drawings of a Renaissance genius will come to dazzling life in a special presentation by West Texas A&M University's Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities.

"The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci," a multimedia concert experience, will begin at 3 p.m. April 19 in the Amarillo Art Institute at Arts in the Sunset, 3701 Plains Blvd. in Amarillo.

Admission is free, but reservations are requested at wtamu.edu/DaVinci.

The concert's titular centerpiece was composed by Jocelyn Hagen and will feature the WT Symphony Orchestra and the WT Chorale. Video syncing technology will bring to life da Vinci's notebooks during the performance.

"As the composer who is the creative force behind both the music and visual component, I have designed the work so that the music serves as the foundation for the film instead of it functioning as purely a supporting musical soundtrack," Hagen said.

The result promises to be "an amazing blend of sight and sound," said Dr. Mark Bartley, director of orchestral activities and WT's Lilith Brainard Professor of Music.

"Performing this work amongst the easels, looms and kilns of the Amarillo Art Institute provides the perfect context for an homage to this creative master," Bartley said.

The event is the finale of this year's The Arts at WT: A Subscription Series but, unlike most offerings in the series, it will be open to the public, said Dr. Dan Peterson, dean of the Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities.

"One of our College's goals is bringing together the gifts, talents and disciplines of our students and faculty. This subscription series event is a beautiful demonstration of this focus," Peterson said. "We also, thanks to our collaboration with the Amarillo Art Institute, are excited to open this event up to the general public, and all attendees will get a sneak peek of our 2026-2027 Subscription Series season of events."

Subscription Series members will have exclusive access to a 2 p.m. reception in the Vermillion Gallery.

All attendees will enjoy free admission to the concert, as well as live art demonstrations and interactive activities following the performance, including works from graphic design students in WT's Department of Art, Theatre and Dance.

The concert will open with the WT Chorale performing "Even When He Is Silent" by Kim André Arnesen and "Il bianco e dolce cigno" by Jacques Arcadelt. The WT Chamber Singers will perform "So ben mi ch'a bon tempo" by Orazio Vecchi.

Brenton Caldwell, Harrington String Quartet viola player and instructor of viola, will perform the first movement of Cecil Forsyth's Concerto for Viola with the orchestra.

"Forsyth's concerto is one of the earliest works that recognizes the rise of the viola as a solo instrument in the early 20th century," Caldwell said. "It is hopelessly romantic with moments of humor, and I definitely relate to this piece on a personal level."

Membership for the 2026-2027 Subscription Series is $300, which offers exclusive admission for two at four special events throughout the year. Individual memberships are available for $150.

Subscribers also may reserve tickets to WT Theatre productions and seats for the "Music of the Christmas Season" concert before the general public.

Subscribing to The Arts at WT helps ensure that mission continues by providing funds for four endowed scholarships, for special events and for purchases of essential equipment and supplies, Peterson said.

Underwriters for The Arts at WT are Lanna and Bob Hatton, Amarillo National Bank, Dr. Lisa O'Brien and Scott Nelson, Sherry and David Schaeffer, Darlene and Dr. Bruce Brasington, Leisa and Allen Durrett, Audrey and Lance Jones, Becky and Martin Lopez, Dorothy and Don Patterson, Lisa Veggeburg, and Paul Wirtz.

For information or to subscribe, visit The Arts at WT website or call 806-651-2777.

Fostering an appreciation for the arts is a key mission of the University's long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign, which is now winding down, has raised more than $175 million.

About West Texas A&M University

A Regional Research University, West Texas A&M University is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor's and master's degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. WT recently earned a Carnegie Foundation classification as a Research College and University. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 16 men's and women's athletics programs.

Photo: The Arts at WT: A Subscription Series will end its season April 19 with "The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci," a multimedia concert experience at Amarillo Arts Institute in Arts in the Sunset. Collaborators include, from left, Brenton Caldwell, Harrington String Quartet violist; Rachel Flores, Amarillo Arts Institute director; Dr. Mark Bartley, WT director of orchestral activities; and Dr. Sean Pullen, WT director of choral activities.

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