Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Andrew Parr, professor of music at Stephen F. Austin State University, will present a faculty piano recital at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 22, in Cole Concert Hall.

"I've selected a nice balance of familiar and not-so-familiar pieces," said Parr. "I think everyone will enjoy the variety."

Parr said he was looking forward to introducing East Texans to "Passacaglia in C Major" by Earl Kelly, one of Parr's instructors at Kent State University. "This particular work is a serious, late romantic piece that is very effective and concise."

A highlight of the program will be Robert Schumann's "Fantasia in C Major, Op. 17," a large-scale work with three movements dedicated to Franz Liszt.

"The program also includes a seldom-performed early sonata by Beethoven and a couple of beloved Chopin favorites," Parr said.

Since joining the SFA faculty in 1983, Parr has performed extensively in solo, chamber and concerto settings. Highlights include a
performance of Aaron Copland's "Piano Concerto" with the Belgrade Philharmonic in the former Yugoslavia, Beethoven's "Piano Concerto No. 4" with the Fort Worth Chamber Orchestra, Chopin's "Concerto No. 2 in F minor" with the San Antonio Symphony and the Orchestra of the Pines, Prokofiev's "Piano Concerto No. 3 in C" with the Orchestra of the Pines and Longview Symphony and Beethoven's "Choral Fantasy" with the Orchestra of the Pines.

Parr began studying piano at the age of 5. He furthered his education at Kent State University, at the Hochschule fur Musik and Darstellende Kunst in Vienna as a Fulbright Scholar, and at Yale University where he earned his master's and doctoral degrees.

The recital is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts and School of Music. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $2 for students. For tickets or more information, please call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.