The University of Mount Union will host a faculty and guest artist recital on Wednesday April 24 at 7:30 p.m. in Presser Recital Hall. The concert will feature Mount Union music professor Dr. Maira Liliestedt and guest artist Janelle Phinney.
Since 1996, the pair have performed as the Appassionata Piano Duo.
Liliestedt received a Bachelor of Music in piano performance from Bowling Green State University and Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Active as a performer, pedagogue, and adjudicator, Liliestedt maintains a regular schedule of solo, chamber, and concerto performances in addition to teaching.
Phinney is a private piano teacher for pre-college students, church musician, and regular chamber musician. She founded Sempre Piano School in Canton, Ohio. As a church musician, Phinney performs regular duties at her home church and has served in numerous churches as pianist, vocalist, choral director, and music director. She has also served as adjunct faculty at Malone University and the University of Mount Union.
The concert, which is free and open to the public, will showcase Johannes Brahms’ Hungarian Dances. The Brahms Hungarian Dances are inspired by the nineteenth-century Gypsy stereotype, and they musically portray Gypsies’ supposed fiery personality, passionate behavior, virtuosic musical performances, and enticing, sensual characteristics.
Presser Recital Hall is located in Cope Music Hall on the corner of Simpson Street and Union Avenue. For more information, contact Mount Union’s Office of Visual and Performing Arts at (330) 823-2180.
