Composer and Pianist Ola Gjeilo Performs at Mississippi College

Music lovers are invited to see pianist and composer Ola Gjeilo in concert at Mississippi College.

The concert on February 7^th will combine the incredible talents of the 34-year-old native of Norway with the award-winning Mississippi College Singers.

The MC student choir will premiere a piece written by Gjeilo during the 7:30 p.m. performance that Thursday evening. Open to the public, the event at Provine Chapel is sponsored by the MC Department of Music.

 Gjeilo’s concert works are performed all over the world. He moved to the United States in 2001 to begin his composition studies at the Julliard School in New York City. Ola especially enjoys writing music for choir, orchestra/symphonic winds and the piano. While performing at the keyboards, his main passion is improvisation, either solo or over his own ensemble works.

Presently a full-time composer in the United States, Gjeilo is also very interested in film, and his music draws much inspiration from the movies. His lyrical crossover album “Stone Rose’’ in 2007 was followed up by his 2012 sequel “Piano Improvisations.’’

He’s no stranger to America’s college campuses. Ola has performed with the Central Washington University Chamber Choir, among many stops. Many of his best choral works are featured on the Phoenix Chorale’s bestselling “Northern Lights’’ album released last year.

Tickets to the Mississippi College concert are $25 for general admission and $5 for students. It costs $5 for teachers who bring students.

Prior to the concert, Gjeilo will appear on the MC campus February 5-6 to meet with students faculty, staff, and area choirs including one from Clinton High School. His question and answer sessions are set for 7:30 p.m. on February 5  and at 3 p.m. on February 6. Both events in Aven Hall, are open to the public and admission is free.

For more information on the composer go to http://olagjeilo.com. Contact the Music Department’s Dottie Serio for additional details about his upcoming MC visit at 601-925-3440.