The first Manchester New Music Mini-Festival brings three concerts of contemporary classical music to the North Manchester campus the weekend of Feb. 22-23.

The free concerts feature the music of 34 composers, all in attendance, says coordinator Tim Reed, MU assistant professor of music. “It’s basically a conference, but in the form of public concerts, as well as some paper presentations and other events,” says Reed.

Composers from all over the nation submitted more than 400 pieces for consideration at the Mini-Festival, said Reed. All three concerts are in Wine Recital Hall, on the east side of campus.

The featured performer is Dr. James Farrell Vernon, who directs the Jazz Ensemble, teaches saxophone for IPFW and is a frequent Down Beat award winner.

Concert 1: New Music for Saxophone Quartet
7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 22
Wine Recital Hall

Concert 2: Chamber and Electroacoustic Works
2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23
Wine Recital Hall

Concert 3: Solo and Chamber Works, featuring Dr. James Farrell Vernon
7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23
Wine Recital Hall