Illustration provided by Ric Alviso,

Music is a universal chord that resonates with us all, be it in the earthy melodies of the blues or the electrifying rhythms of rock ‘n’ roll. California State University, Northridge’s first-annual PRISM Concert will summon the power of music in all its forms in one eclectic night, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, in the Valley Performing Arts Center.

CSUN music professor Ric Alviso said he is optimistic that the concert will become a longstanding tradition at the university, since it will highlight the university’s talent — as well as raise money for the CSUN Student Scholarship Fund.

“I like the idea of a prism,” Alviso said. “It bends light into many different colors, and that’s a metaphor for our music program. We all come together with our love of music, and each of our students and ensembles provides a different part of the spectrum. I hope it will establish a long tradition of showcasing our talented students and faculty, and raising money for student scholarships.”

More than 100 students, faculty and alumni will perform a variety of music at the concert — from classical, jazz and musical theater to Japanese Taiko drumming.

Alviso said the audience should “expect the unexpected” at the PRISM Concert, as attendees will experience a variety of music coming from a variety of places within the concert hall.

“The musicians will perform from every section of the concert hall, [so] every attendee will have a unique experience,” he said. “There will be something for everyone at the first-annual PRISM Concert.”

Tickets cost $7 for CSUN students, $10 for faculty and $15 for community members. For more information on the PRISM Concert, visit http://www.csun.edu/mike-curb-arts-media-communication.

CSUN Student Scholarship Fund, Mike Curb College of Arts, Mike Curb College of Arts Media and Communication, PRISM Concert, Ric Alviso