K-State Musicians to Present "World Wars Concert" at Eisenhower Presidential Library

K-State Musicians to Present "World Wars Concert" at Eisenhower Presidential Library

A "World Wars Concert" is set for Saturday, May 21, at 2 p.m. in the Visitors Center of the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home. The free concert will be held on Armed Forces Day, the single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country.

"The World Wars Part 1" is the first in a series of recitals celebrating composers, musicians, and artists who died during the World Wars. The recital will be performed by tenor Bryan Pinkall, Assistant Professor, School of Music,Theatre and Dance, Kansas State University, and piano accompanist, Amanda Arrington.

"Since it is the 100th anniversary of WWI and the 75th anniversary of WWII, we felt this was a very appropriate time to produce a series like this," Pinkall states. "The program features music of Alberic Magnard,George Butterworth and F.S. Kelly, who died during World War I. Audio/visuals will help tell the story of these composers," he added.

Pinkall is an operatic tenor, often performing as a soloist in orchestral settings with ensembles including the Kansas City Symphony. From 2008-2010 he directed music at University United Methodist Church in Salina, Kan., on the Kansas Wesleyan University campus. Pinkall specializes in the production of large artistic events. He helped manage the production of Pope Francis' mass in Philadelphia in Sept. 2015.

The recipient of numerous awards, Pinkall received a 2016 Grammy Award for Best Choral Performance. He was a soloist and chorister on the winning album, "Rachmaninoff: All-Night Vigil." He was also an artistic director for the 2014 Sochi Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony which earned four Primetime Emmy nominations, winning one.  

The Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home, a nonpartisan federal institution, is part of the Presidential Libraries network operated by the National Archives and Records Administration. Presidential Libraries promote understanding of the presidency and the American experience. We preserve and provide access to historical materials, support research, and create interactive programs and exhibits that educate and inspire.