Chamber music added to offerings at UNLV

A new chamber music series joins such long-running attractions as the Charles Vanda Master Series for the 2012-13 Performing Arts Center season at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Another new attraction at the center: a Design Your Own Series program that will enable patrons to choose a variety of shows at discount ticket prices.

Among the season's theatrical attractions: the touring company of Chicago's legendary comedy troupe Second City on Sept. 28 and the Tony-winning Acting Company performing "Of Mice and Men" Oct. 21.

The season opens Sept. 20 with "Celebrate Debussy's 150th!" featuring flutist Jennifer Grim and soprano Linda Lister, the concert (presented in conjunction with UNLV's music department) launches the new UNLV Chamber Music Series.

Also on the chamber music schedule: the Grammy Award-winning Parker Quartet, Oct. 23; the Trio Cavatina (pianist Ieva Jokubaviciute , violinist Harumi Rhodes and cellist Priscilla Lee), Nov. 29; and the chamber ensemble Zephyros Winds, Feb. 14.

The Charles Vanda Master Series opens Oct. 7 with New York Polyphony, a quartet performing with a repertoire that ranges from medieval to modern.

The Master Series continues with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and pianist Jon Kimura Parker on Jan. 25; Stars of the Russian Ballet, performing dances from such storied ballets as "Sleeping Beauty," "Cinderella" and "Don Quixote," Feb. 2; and the China National Symphony Orchestra, March 6.

Next season's UNLV Classical Guitar Series features the Prelude to the Allegro International Guitar Competition with Jose Feghali, Sergio Assad, Roland Dyens and Christopher McGuire on Sept. 21, followed by Croatian Ana Vidovic Nov. 17; the Montreal Guitar Trio March 13; and Ian Watt on April 13.

Also on the UNLV Performing Arts Center schedule: Grammy-nominated smooth jazz supergroup Fourplay, Nov. 3; and The Pipes and Drums of The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Band of the Scots Guards, Feb. 23.

UNLV's Performing Arts Center also hosts presentations by such local groups as Desert Chorale, Las Vegas Master Singers, and Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society, plus presentations by UNLV's College of Fine Arts, including the Nevada Conservatory Theatre.

Information on the season, and season subscriptions, is available by phone at 895-2787 or online at pac.unlv.edu.