Cool Classics Piano Series Returns To USU

Every summer the piano program at Utah State University presents the Cool Classics Concert Series, and this year the annual event returns to campus July 25, 26 and 28. The performances showcase the talents of students who study with professor Gary Amano, piano program head in the department of music.

The recitals begin at 7:30 p.m. in room 214 of the Chase Fine Arts Center on the USU campus. Tickets are available at the door and are $5 per night or $10 for a series ticket to all three evenings.

 

Proceeds from the series support the USU Piano Scholarship fund.

 

Anarie Petroff coordinates the series and said each night of the Cool Classics Concert Series has a theme. The opening night, Wednesday, July 25, is “College Virtuosos,” and features students majoring in piano performance at USU.

 

Performers include Brandon Lee, first-place prize winner at the MTNA Yamaha national competition in Kansas City, Mo., and Aram Arakelyan, first-place winner at the Kingsville International Competition in Texas.

 

“The evening’s pianists have all played the piano for well over 10 years,” Petroff said. “Each practices an average of 30 hours a week and is extremely dedicated to music.”

 

The selections to be performed include some of the greatest and most difficult works in the piano repertoire, Petroff said. Performers and selections will be introduced at the recital.

 

Thursday, July 26, is “Rising Stars” night, and each performer is under the age of 18.

 

“Although young, these students demonstrate remarkable talent and abilities,” Petroff said.

 

Among the evening’s performers is John Sargeant, first-place prize winner of the MTNA Baldwin national competition in Seattle, Wash.

 

The final night of the series, Saturday, July 28, features the “Coombs Family Pianists.” Members of this talented family from Draper, Utah, have been a Cool Classics tradition for many years. This is the first time all six members of the award-winning family will perform together in one concert. Two are graduates of Juilliard, four are past soloists with the Utah Symphony Orchestra, and five are first-prize winners of international, national, regional and state competition. The family’s youngest has not yet entered the competition circuit. Performers include Zachary, John, Natalie, Jessica, Hilary and 6-year-old Gabe.

 

“The Cool Classics concerts provide an opportunity for the community to enjoy the rich talent from our state and to experience the works of the great composers,” Petroff said. “It is also an opportunity for these students to share with others the music that they love and spend hours with each day.”

 

 

 

Contact: Anarie Petroff, (435) 797-3028, anarie_w@hotmail.com