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Music performance
Come to My GardenNovember 17 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Advance TicketsAn afternoon of floral favorites for voice and piano featuring Richard Strauss’s Mädchenblumen performed by Diane Walters, soprano and Michael Ensign, piano.
Included with IMAS General Admission
FREE for IMAS Members
FREE for UTRGV Patron of the Arts Members
Advance TicketsThe ArtistsDiane Walters
Diane Walters, described as a “clear, beautifully colored soprano” (Broad Street Review) and “sweetly endearing” (Music in Cincinnati), is an artist based in Brownsville, Texas. A specialist in collaborative music and frequent soloist, Diane has sung with ensembles across the country and in Europe, including The Crossing, Cincinnati’s Vocal Arts Ensemble, Alium Spiritum, Chorosynthesis, RedShift, Taylor Festival Choir, Weimar Bach Cantata Academy, Berwick Chorus of the Oregon Bach Festival, Dallas Choral Festival, and JSB Ensemble of the International Bachakademie Stuttgart. She can be heard on several commercial recordings including the 2022 GRAMMY® nominated recording Rising w/The Crossing. Diane is on the voice faculty at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and is soprano faculty for Berkshire Choral International. She holds degrees from the Capital University Conservatory of Music and the Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University. Diane enjoys knitting, cooking, and spending time with her husband, Sean, and daughter, Cecilia.
Michael Ensign
Michael Ensign, Collaborative Pianist, earned his bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a Vocal Emphasis from Millikin University as well as his master’s degree in Piano Performance from the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley. Ensign has participated in master classes, including those conducted by pianist Aldo Mancinelli, and provided accompaniment for various guest artists. Ensign attributes his success to his accomplished mentors, such as Dr. Johnathan Tsay, Dr. Brendan Kinsella, and Dr. Judith Mancinell.
With over 25 years of collaborative experience, Ensign has engaged with numerous musicians- vocalists and instrumentalists alike. Ensign operates a private voice and piano studio from his residence; a number of his voice students have shared their talents with renowned opera companies and esteemed institutions such as the Academy of Vocal Arts. Michael Ensign has also contributed his expertise to the Chloe Trevor Music Academy, showcasing his dedication to fostering musical talent and enriching the artistic community.
Ensign’s commitment extends to serving his community as the accompanist for the VSO Chorale and organist at the First Methodist Church of Harlingen. Presently, he directs music at the Harlingen Community Theatre and teaches theatre at Vanguard Academy Beethoven.
Program Notes“Come To My Garden” is from a duet in the musical The Secret Garden by Lucy Simon and Marsha Norman based on the book by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The story follows orphaned Mary Lennox who is sent to live with her Uncle Archibald and a secret, bedridden cousin, Colin, in England. She discovers a neglected, walled garden that once belonged to her aunt, Lily, who died during childbirth brought on from an accident in the garden. Mary wishes to share the garden with Colin but he is hesitant to visit the garden. The ghost of Lily sings “Come To My Garden” inviting Colin to her special place.
Lucy Simon (1940-2022) began her career as a folk singer with her sister, Carly Simon as the Simon Sisters. She is best known for her musical The Secret Garden which won the Tony Award for Best Original Score and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music.
Marsha Norman (b. 1947) is a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, screenwriter, and novelist. Some of her works include the play ‘night, Mother, and musicals The Color Purple and The Bridges of Madison County. She was the co-chair of the playwriting program at Juilliard until 2020.
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