Esteemed musician and professor of piano at The Julliard School Jerome Lowenthal performed a guest recital Monday evening on campus.
Josu De Solaun, assistant professor of piano, said Lowenthal’s visit and performance gave students and faculty alike a chance to experience a very specific type of music.
“[The show was] a great opportunity to listen to a legendary performer who is part of a dying tradition of music-making, with strong links to the 19th century,” De Solaun said. “[He gave] us a preview of the same recital he is playing this very summer at the famous Berlin Philharmonic.”
Lowenthal has become a renowned pianist throughout the years with his work alongside other legendary musicians, according to De Solaun.
“He studied with legendary musicians, such as Olga Samoroff, Austrian pianist Eduard Steuermann, French pianist Alfred Corot, Polish pianist Arthur Rubinstein and American pianist William Kapell,” De Solaun said.
De Solaun said Lowenthal has played with many professional orchestras, playing some of the world’s greatest classical music.
“He made his debut as soloist with the legendary Philadelphia Orchestra at the age of 13, and has since played with some of the world’s greatest orchestras and conductors,” De Solaun said. “[He] has recorded the complete Tchaikovsky piano concerto cycle with the London Symphony Orchestra.”
Emily Binetti, marketing coordinator for the College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication said it is not only an privilege to host such honored guests such as Lowenthal, but it is also beneficial for the students and the surrounding community to be exposed to these performances.
“Since listening is such a vital part of music education, providing guest artist performances on campus is important because it gives music students the opportunity to participate in the live music experience as an audience member,” Binetti said. “Guest artist concerts are also an example of how the school of music is offering quality programming to the Huntsville community and contributing to the arts and culture scene of our community.”
Lowenthal’s performance was a preview to his upcoming summer performance with the Berlin Philharmonic. He also performed Beethoven’s Sonata Op. 106, often considered one of the most challenging piano works.