Piano Prism Concert to Bring Centuries of Music to UA Little Rock
Music lovers will have the opportunity to experience an eclectic program spanning centuries and cultures when University Professor of Music Dr. Linda Holzer presents “Piano Prism: How Beautiful the Light” Sunday, Sept. 20.
The program explores the piano’s versatility through works by composers including François Couperin, Mary Lou Williams, Scott Joplin, Florence Price, Kareem Roustom, Cacilda Borges Barbosa, and Frédéric Chopin.
The concert will also feature the world premiere of “A More Perfect Union”, a new work by composer Gwyneth Walker written in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. The program includes the Little Rock premiere of Florence Price’s Moods for piano, flute, and clarinet.
Holzer will be joined by her University of Arkansas at Little Rock colleague, Dr. Justin Bunting, on Native American hoop drum, as well as Dr. Nicolas del Grazia on clarinet and Dr. Phoebe Robertson on flute, both from Arkansas Tech University.
The second half of the program will feature the complete “Aleppo Songs” for solo piano by Syrian-American composer Kareem Roustom, which draws on both Arabic and Western musical traditions. Additional selections include Barbosa’s Estudo Brasileiro No. 1, Gary Schocker’s “Prayer” for flute and piano, and Chopin’s Barcarolle.
“Listeners will be surprised by how beautifully these various works complement one another,” Holzer said. “Each piece illuminates the others, revealing unexpected connections across time and tradition.”
Holzer has been a member of the UA Little Rock faculty for more than 30 years and has built a career as a soloist and chamber musician, performing across the United States and internationally. “Piano Prism: How Beautiful the Light” marks her 23rd solo recital at UA Little Rock.
Whether a seasoned classical music fan, or simply curious, “Piano Prism: How Beautiful the Light” offers a rare opportunity to experience an adventurous musical journey spanning centuries and cultures. Mark your calendar for 3 p.m. in the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall in the Fine Arts Building on campus. The concert is free and open to the public. For more details, visit the event page.