Concert: Scenes from Childhood: A Piano Recital Lisa Withers, piano
Memorial Chapel Tuesday, January 24, 7:30pm
Lisa Withers, chair of the Division of Visual and Performing Arts at Emory & Henry College, presents a solo recital focused on piano works of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries that evoke childhood memories. The recital will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the College’s Memorial Chapel, Tuesday, January 24.
The program includes Variations on “Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman,” K. 265 (300e) by Mozart, “Kinderscenen” by Robert Schumann, “Eight Memories in Watercolor” by Tan Dun, and Francis Poulenc’s “L’historie de Babar: le petit éléphant for piano and narrator.” Dr. Biliana Stoytcheva-Horissian, chair of the E&H Department of Theatre, will join Withers as narrator for the Poulenc.
Dr. Withers said about this performance, “I have always been interested in children's literature and the way adult authors and artists have perceived the experience or memory of childhood. This recital grew out of my desire to explore the musical manifestations of these childhood ‘memories.’ Recently exploring the world afresh through the eyes of my three-year-old children give me a good excuse to study and perform these pieces.”
An associate professor of piano and music, Withers also teaches private and group piano, music theory and aural skills, Great Works in Context, and many other courses. She previously taught on the faculties of Augustana College and Louisiana Tech University. Originally from north central W.Va, Withers received her bachelor of arts degree in music education and English and language arts education from Alderson-Broaddus College in Philippi, W.Va.
She holds a master’s degree in piano pedagogy and performance from the University of Michigan and a doctor of musical arts degree in piano performance from West Virginia University. As a performer, lecturer, collaborator and teacher, Withers has presented recitals, masterclasses, and workshops throughout the eastern, southern, and mid-western United States.
She is the current president of the Virginia Music Teachers Association. Her research and performance interests include 20th century French piano and chamber music, American female composers for piano and voice, collaborative piano pedagogy, and musical “humor” in 18th and 19th century piano works.
This event is free of charge to all. For additional information, call 276.944.6848 or write atcoulth@ehc.edu.
