ST. GEORGE — The music department at Dixie State University is pleased to announce a guest recital by pianist Robert Nakea on Sunday at 7 p.m. in the Eccles Concert Hall. Admission is free and all interested patrons are invited to attend.
This piano recital will be the first public performance on the new Model D Concert Grand Steinway donated to Dixie State University by Zions Bank. This donation is a wonderful addition to the university’s music department as it progresses in its goal of becoming an All-Steinway School.
Read more: Zions Bank donates Steinway piano to Dixie State University
Dr. Nancy Allred, professor of music, and director of piano studies at Dixie State, is thrilled to welcome Robert Nakea back to St. George to perform on this stunning Steinway piano.
“Robert Nakea is a sublime artist,” stated Dr. Allred, “and he always performs with brilliance, artistry and grace. This recital is not to be missed!”
Mr. Nakea has performed in the Eccles Concert Hall several times in the past and has wowed audiences with his amazing technique, his love of music and teaching and his beautiful tone, not to mention his delightful interpretations of the music of Chopin.
For Sunday’s recital, Nakea will be performing the 24 Études of Frederic Chopin, Op. 10 and Op. 25. These études stand as a monument to modern piano technique. Garrick Ohlsson, concert pianist, affirmed: “If you can play the Chopin Études … there is basically nothing in the modern repertoire you can’t play.”
Nakea was born and raised in the islands of Hawaii. He started studying the piano at age six, and by age 15, he debuted as a soloist with the Honolulu Symphony. Over the span of his career, he has received recognition both in the United States and abroad for his playing.
A two-time laureate of the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition (1988 and 1994), Nakea placed first in the Joseph Fisch International Piano Competition in 1986 and third in the National Beethoven Sonata Competition in 1991. He has toured extensively throughout Europe, performing in such venues as the Bergen International Music Festival, Llangollen Festival of Wales and Operafestival di Roma.
Nakea graduated from Brigham Young University with his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in piano performance. He currently teaches in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois.
Event Details
- What: Guest piano recital by pianist Robert Nakea
- When: Sunday, July 17 | 7 p.m.
- Where: Dixie State University’s Eccles Concert Hall, S. 700 East, St. George
- Admission: Free to public
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