09/19/17
HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State University will kick off its 2017-2018 International Piano Series with guest pianist Choong-ha Nam - an active performer and pianist - at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 22, in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall on FHSU's campus. A student honors recital will precede Nam at 6:45 in Beach/Schmidt.

Choong-ha Nam has been featured in several concerts across North America and is an associate professor of piano at West Texas A&M University. Her performances have been featured on Houston's public radio and in many academic institutions. Nam's research presentations on Fanny Hensel and Felix Mendelssohn, piano technique and pedagogy have appeared nationally and internationally at the meetings of the Texas Music Teachers Association, National Music Teachers Association, Athena Festival and Conference and the Suzuki Association of the Americas. Nam's full biography can be found at www.wtamu.edu/academics/choong-ha-nam-bio.aspx.

Nam will perform:

• Andante from "Six Morceaux" by Sergei Prokofiev
• "Song for the Piano" from "Four Songs for the Piano" by Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel
• "Polonaise-Fantaisie" by Frederic Chopin
• "Sonata in C Minor" by Franz Schubert

"The International Piano Series, a year-round program with a pure focus on piano, plays a distinctive role in the lives of students and the community by implementing excellence in the arts, education and cultivating piano music appreciation," said Dr. Irena Ravitskaya, associate professor of music and theatre.

Each year, the FHSU International Piano Series stages concerts for pianists from the United States and around the world. The performers range from young professionals emerging onto the world stage to seasoned performers with long-established careers.

"They all bring their unique approach to their instrument and contributions to the field," said Ravitskaya. "They are role models to our students and a source of sophisticated entertainment for our community."

While on campus, the guest artists offer masterclasses where students perform and receive critiques. The masterclasses and student honor recitals are free and open to the public.

"Donations are accepted and ensure the longevity of the program and support educational opportunities for music students," said Ravitskaya.

Three guest artists will be preceded by student honor recitals, listed in the schedule:

• Student Honors Recital: 6:45 p.m., Friday, Sept. 22
• Choong-ha Nam: 7:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 22
• Student Honors Recital: 6:45 p.m., Friday, Oct. 13
• Daniel Immel: 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 13
• Shannon Sadler: 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 16
• Grigor Khachatryan: 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 27
• Student Honors Recital: 3:30 p.m., Sunday, April 15
• Terrie Manno/Michael Dean: 4 p.m., Sunday, April 15

All concerts will be held in Beach/Schmidt.

For a list of upcoming events in the Department of Music and Theatre, visit www.fhsu.edu/visitors/arts-calendar/.

For more information, contact Ravitskaya at 785-628-5362 or email at iaravitskaya@fhsu.edu