Tonya Krauth

After 23 years as the program, coordinator of the Chamber Music Society Guest Artist Series ,Professor John Colson has retired. He was honored at the final concert of the season by the Chamber Music Society and by one of the counties leading artist managers.

For the past 20 years, Joanne Rile of Joanne Rile Artists Management Inc. has provided artists for the Chambers Music Society. Hundreds of artists have preformed for SDSU and the surrounding communities during this time.

Colson was presented with a wall clock from the Chamber Music society Board of Directors for all of his work with the organization. Rile presented Colson with special gifts. One of these gifts was a CD featuring various artists from her management that have preformed for the Society.

Professor Colson is also retiring from his 37-year faculty position at SDSU. While here, he has served as the orchestra director and high brass and conducting teacher. Dr. John Walker will take over as program coordinator for the Chamber Music Society Guest Artist Series. A national search is underway for Colson’s faculty replacement.

The 2002-2003 Guest Artist Series will feature the Scholars of London (English vocal quartet), the Baltimore Consort (with Chris Norman on wooden flutes), the Osiris Piano Trio (from Amsterdam) and the South Dakota Symphony Chamber Orchestra (with Susan Haig, conducting). Season tickets will be available in September.