SHERMAN, TEXAS — Austin College music faculty Dr. John McGinn (piano) and Leslie Whelan (cello) will present a recital with guest artist Dr. Daniel Lickteig (baritone), featuring selections from Copland’s “Old American Songs,” original compositions by McGinn, and more. The performance will take place at 3 p.m. on March 17, in Wynne Chapel. The event is free and open to the public.
Lickteig is garnering praise throughout American opera houses for his powerful, soaring voice. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Temple University in Philadelphia. He recently completed the doctorate of musical arts at the University of North Texas, where he was a teaching fellow. Lickteig currently holds a faculty appointment at Emory University.
McGinn earned a doctorate in musical arts with a specialty in composition from Stanford University. He has composed, performed, and recorded extensively in addition to teaching at Austin College since 2008. McGinn spent several years teaching at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, before joining the Austin College faculty.
Whelan moved to Texas in 2014, and has performed widely as a chamber and symphonic cellist, is a certified Suzuki instructor, and is the education director of the Sherman Symphony Orchestra, where she seeks to make music accessible to all. Whelan is an adjunct faculty member, teaching cello at Austin College. She received degrees in cello performance from Ithaca College and the University of Maryland.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 44 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.