Swirl in the Musical Stylings of the String & Piano Ensemble

Published: November 09, 2016 | Author: Ashley Pollock | Read Time: 2 minutes

The Department of Music at Southern Utah University presents the String and Piano Ensemble Recital on Monday, November 14, at 7:30 p.m. in the Thorley Recital Hall. Listen to a variety of works that have been practiced and perfected by these talented students. This recital is free and open to the public.

Krystal Hanson, a Music and French Major from Salt Lake City, said, “The most exciting thing we’ve [the Piano Ensemble] been working on for this concert would have to be the Overture to The Bartered Bride by Smetana. It’s an exciting whirlwind of a piece that has been condensed from being played on a variety of orchestral instruments to fit into two piano parts. We’ve all been pushed to improve our skills in sight-reading difficult pieces as a group, and to improve our ability to play together expressively yet cohesively as team.”

Hanson believes that the audience can look forward to a “fun and exciting performance from both the Piano Ensemble and the String Ensemble, as they have worked very hard to put together some wonderful pieces.”

Ensemble work is important to all musicians. It gives them opportunities that solo work can’t offer. Michael Levine, founder and director of the Dallas Brass explained the importance of ensemble work, "The small ensemble opens many doors for students to continue playing and performing and develops one’s musicianship and character in a way that no other group can." He continued, "The players are on their own[...], each person is a soloist."

Visiting Orchestra Director, Dr. Canés Nicolas, said, “We will be performing Joseph Haydn’s String Quartet No. 1 La Chasse and a Utah premiere of two Haitian folk pieces: Latibonit O, featuring Rebecca Parkinson, soprano, and Waio-Waio, featuring Marissa Brown, percussion. It's been a great semester working with this ensemble, they have come a long way improving their musicianship and playing technique.”

Anthony Malachowski, currently a freshman Piano Performance Major at SUU, said, “I was born and raised in Cedar City, UT. I play piano and percussion. We've been working on some pretty exciting pieces for this concert including a Sonatina in D minor by Anton Diabelli. Having the opportunity to perform in a piano ensemble is quite a valuable experience! The audience can expect a very fun and exciting performance. If you're a pianist, or you just love piano music, you've got to be there!”

Don’t miss this exhilarating performance by the String and Piano Ensembles! For more information, please visit www.suu.edu/pva/music. 

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