The University of Richmond, has announced its new director, Deborah Sommers. She will replace former executive director Kathy Panoff.  UR’s The Collegian reports:

She will take on her new position July 1. Sommers will be responsible for a number of performances and events at the Modlin Center including: the 45-event Great Performances Series, three main stage productions by the university’s theatre and dance department and the University Players and Dancers, 30 musical performances in the Department of Music’s Free Concert Series as well as community events and performances throughout the year. Sommers also will direct and teach Richmond’s arts management program.

Or, read  the full story.

The University of Richmond’s Modlin Center has provided the following info regarding their upcoming events for the month of November.

Lionheart offers early classics and new works for men’s voices

Lionheart is one of America’s leading ensembles in vocal chamber music. This all-male sextet is best known for its interpretation of medieval and Renaissance a cappella music, with Gregorian Chant as the keystone of its repertoire. Hailed by Early Music America for their -rich, true tones and flawlessly blended harmonies,-Lionheart will mesmerize Richmond music lovers with -Wayfaring Stranger,- a diverse repertoire of a cappella music from the 13th century to the present day.

Check out Lionheart’s recording and take a listen

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Tim Robbins is one of my favorite actors who’s moved from a role of acting into a role of producing with his theater performance of “1984″ based on the popular novel by George Orwell. The Times-Dispatch had the opportunity to interview Mr. Robbins.

“Big Brother was allowed to arrest you without charge . . . [and] torture you,” the actor says. He also observes that Oceania is locked in an epic military conflict with a rationale that is never defined.

It’s “quite an accurate read of a society that is bogged down in a perpetual war with an enemy who’s perpetually unseen,” Robbins says. When asked if he’s referring to controversial clauses in the Patriot Act, and to the Bush administration’s championing of a war against terrorism, he does not demur.

The Actors’ Gang will perform the show at University of Richmond’s Modlin Center Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30pm. Tickets are $16 to $31. Call 804-289-8980 for more info.

Here’s the latest (October) update from the University of Richmond’s Modlin Center for the Arts:

The latest from actor-director Tim Robbins

Less than two years ago, The Actors’ Gang visited Richmond with the heart-wrenching stories of Death Row inmates in The Exonerated. Known for creating bold, original works for the stage and daring reinterpretations of the classics, The Actors’ Gang returns this month with another production that will provoke our community into thinking about both local and global issues.

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