TACOMA, Wash. – In honor of the 200th anniversary of Frédéric Chopin’s birth, Duane Hulbert will present a solo piano recital of the composer’s works in the fall program of University of Puget Sound’s 2010–11 Jacobsen Series. The Chopin Bicentennial evening will begin at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 24 in Schneebeck Concert Hall on campus. The public is welcome to attend. Ticket information is below.
The concert will feature two of the Polish master’s greatest works: the complete set of 24 Preludes and the Piano Sonata No. 3 in b minor. The Preludes were written during Chopin’s stay on the island of Majorca, Spain, with the writer George Sand during the winter of 1838–39. The constant rain and Chopin’s illness set the backdrop for these marvelous miniatures, many of them reflecting the stormy conditions of that winter.
Chopin, born March 1, 1810, was one of many composers influenced by J. S. Bach’s own Preludes and Fugues in the Well-Tempered Clavier, writing the 24 short works in all of the major and minor keys. Chopin’s final Piano Sonata No. 3 in b minor was written in 1844, while he was living in Nohant, France. The four-movement work represents the culmination of the composer’s virtuoso writing, from the lyrical passion in the first movement to the unabated virtuosity of the brilliant finale. It is a recital not to be missed.
Duane Hulbert, distinguished professor in the School of Music, is beginning his 25th year at University of Puget Sound. He has established himself as a frequent performer in many venues throughout the Pacific Northwest, and as a successful piano teacher both at the collegiate and high school level. His current and former students have won major competitions and hold prestigious positions in colleges and conservatories throughout the United States. His recording of piano works by Alexander Glazunov was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2002.
The Jacobsen Series, named in honor of Leonard Jacobsen, former chair of the piano department at Puget Sound, has been running since 1984. The Jacobsen Series Scholarship Fund awards annual music scholarships to outstanding student performers and scholars. The fund is sustained entirely by season subscribers and ticket sales.
Admission is $12.50 for the general public; $8.50 for seniors (55+), non-Puget Sound students, and Puget Sound faculty and staff. It is free for current Puget Sound students. For tickets contact Wheelock Information Center, or order by credit card by calling 253.879.3419. Any remaining tickets will be available at the door.
For directions and a map of the campus: pugetsound.edu/directions
Press-quality photos of Duane Hulbert are available upon request.
Photo above: Chopin by Eugene Delacroix 1838
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