The Delta State University Department of Music will host the second annual Art of the Piano event Feb.18-19, at the Bologna Performing Arts Center (BPAC). This event is being partially supported through a grant from the Dulcé Faculty Development Fund.
On Friday, Feb. 18, at 7:30 p.m., guest artists Kenneth Boulton and JoAnne Barry, will perform a piano duo concert featuring works by Schumann, Boulanger, Gliere, Gershwin, Beiderbecke, and Bennett in the Recital Hall of the BPAC. The concert is free and open to the public.
For over 20 years, Boulton and Barry have presented piano duet and duo concerts throughout the United States and Europe, highlighted by appearances in England, Russia and Germany. They have also recorded music of William Mason on the Naxos label.
Boulton is an associate professor of piano at Southeastern Louisiana University and interim director of Southeastern’s Columbia Theatre. His most recent recording, Louisiana–A Pianist’s Journey, was released on the Cambria Masterworks label and nominated for a 2007 Grammy® Award for Best Classical Instrumental Solo without Orchestra.
Barry received degrees from James Madison University and the University of Maryland. She has served as archivist for the Philadelphia Orchestra Association and currently volunteers in the cataloging department of Sims Memorial Library at Southeastern Louisiana University.
On Saturday, Feb.19, pianists of all ages from around the Delta will come together for a day of recitals, master classes, and workshops centered on making music through the medium of the piano. Along with Boulton and Barry, Delta State piano faculty Jung-Won Shin, Kumiko Shimizu, and Karen Fosheim will serve as faculty for the event.
Saturday’s events will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 4:30 p.m. For registration information and schedule details, please call 662-846-4615.
