Malaspina music department presents end-of-semester concerts April 7-9

Jazz students at Malaspina University-College will pay tribute to a friend, mentor and fellow musician while raising money for a worthwhile cause.

As part of the year-end concert series, Malaspina music department presents the 8th annual Frank Arnone Memorial Concert for Hospice at the Malaspina Theatre in Nanaimo, Wednesday, April 9.

The evening concert features 20 music department singers performing swing and popular standards with the Malaspina Stage Band, plus the Malaspina Saxophone Quartet.

Proceeds from the concert will be donated to the Nanaimo Community Hospice Society in memory of Frank Arnone, a long-time supporter of Malaspina music students. Arnone passed away in 2001 after a year-long battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease.

“Frank attended concerts at Malaspina for more than 15 years where he supported and encouraged aspiring student musicians,” said Malaspina music instructor Steve Jones. “He was a semi-professional musician who played the saxophone. Many of our former music students benefited from his positive encouragement.”

Music lovers can also enjoy two more year-end concerts presented by the Malaspina music department. Malaspina Classical Night takes place Monday, April 7, featuring student soloists, the Cantabile Chamber Choir, and the Malaspina Wind Ensemble.

Malaspina Choir Night will be held Tuesday, April 8, featuring the Cantabile Chamber Choir, the Malaspina College Singers, Malaspina Jazz Choirs and the Sharp Five vocal ensemble.

All three concerts take place at Malaspina University-College Theatre (Building 310), 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, starting at 7:30 pm. Tickets (available at the door) are $3 for adults and $2 for students for the April 7 and 8 concerts, and $10 each for the Frank Arnone Memorial Concert for Hospice on April 9.