HIGH POINT, N.C., Oct. 26, 2015 – An upcoming Chamber Music Series concert at High Point University will feature faculty members performing the work of esteemed American composer Aaron Copland (1900-1990). The event will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 8 in Charles E. Hayworth Memorial Chapel. It is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required.
Dr. Robert Hallquist, associate professor of piano, Dr. Laura Stevens, instructor of flute, pianist Benjamin Blozan and baritone Scott MacLeod will all showcase their unique talents while performing a program of piano, flute and vocal music. Selections include Copland’s “Piano Sonata” (1939-1941), “Duo for Flute and Piano” (1971) and his arrangement of “At the River” from his “Old American Songs” (1952).
“For much of the latter half of the 20th century, Aaron Copland was universally recognized as the dean of American composers,” says Hallquist, who will be featured on piano. “If, as Copland himself claimed, he found his compositional voice around age 30, that voice remained unmistakably his for the next 40 years, even though many a distinctive composition emerged therefrom. HPU’s Chamber Music celebrates Copland’s genius in the 25th year since his passing, with performances of highly engaging pieces from his instrumental, keyboard and vocal output.”