Frank A. Watkins

Guest conductor Frank A. Watkins of UW-Eau Claire will pick up the baton for the “Masterpieces from the Italian Baroque” performance of the Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra on Saturday, March 5, at 7:30pm at Grace Lutheran Church, 202 W. Grand Avenue. “The baroque style music will showcase what is unique about a chamber orchestra: a small orchestra in an intimate setting with skilled soloists,” according to ECCO’s website. Watkins is the third guest conductor who is in the running to lead ECCO as founder and concert master Ivar Lunde transitions out of the conductor’s role. Watkins, a lecturer in the UWEC music department, holds a B.M. degree in piano performance form Jackson State University, an M.M. from the University of Arkansas, and an M.M. in choral conducting from Northwestern University. The evening’s program will include the UWEC Women’s Concert Chorale featuring Gina Cruciana, soprano, and Kate Beu, mezzo-soprano, who will join ECCO on “Stabat Mater” by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi. Dr. Christa Garvey will perform Domenico Cimaroso’s oboe concerto in C Major. Ryan Poquette, Ben Cheney, and Susan Halderman will play the Concerto Grosso in G Minor by Antonio Vivaldi. Tickets for the event are $23 for adults, $20 for seniors, and  $8 for students. Advance tickets are available at Festival Foods, Neff’s Piano Shop or via Paypal from eauclairechamberorchestra.com.