Drake University is set to host an exciting musical event featuring the talents of Jody Graves, a distinguished professor of piano performance studies from Eastern Washington University. As part of the 2024–2025 Keys to Excellence piano series, Graves will grace the Sheslow Auditorium stage for a two-day engagement on February 9 and 10, offering free admission to the public.
Piano Performance Workshop
On Sunday, February 9, at 4 p.m., Jody Graves will present a workshop titled “The Heart of Performance©.” This engaging session will delve into the nuances of achieving successful performances, exploring the intricate processes that lead to such outcomes. As Graves explains, “This workshop includes discussion on the pathway to successful performance, and how to foster that within ourselves as performers, and for our students.” The workshop promises a blend of interactive discussions, visual and audio elements, and practical handouts, aiming to demystify the often elusive art of performance.
Evening Concert with The Sapphire Trio
The following evening, on Monday, February 10, at 7:30 p.m., the audience will be treated to a diverse concert program. Jody Graves will begin the evening with a selection of Debussy’s preludes for solo piano. She will then be joined by violinist Margaret Baldridge and clarinetist Maxine Ramey, her longtime collaborators from The Sapphire Trio. The concert will include works by composers such as Philip Martin, Alexander Arutiunian, and Rick Sowash, along with a special composition by Brian A. Van Winkle, crafted specifically for the trio. The night will culminate with Graves’ original multimedia presentation, “A Celebration of the Piano and the Many Places it Finds Itself!”
2024–2025 Keys to Excellence Piano Series
The Keys to Excellence series at Drake University showcases renowned pianists from around the globe. Events are held in Sheslow Auditorium, with masterclasses at 4 p.m. and concerts at 7:30 p.m., all open to the public without charge.
Upcoming events in the series include:
- ILIA RADOSLAVOV – Illinois Wesleyan University
- September 29: Masterclass
- September 30: Concert
- NICHOLAS ROTH – Drake University – Sally B. Bartlett Memorial
- December 2: Concert (No Masterclass)
- JODY GRAVES & THE SAPPHIRE TRIO – Eastern Washington University
- February 9: Presentation
- February 10: Concert
- WINSTON CHOI – Roosevelt University
- March 30: Masterclass
- March 31: Concert
Supported by Drake University Jordan Concerts, the series promises a season filled with exceptional performances. For further details, contact Nicholas Roth at 515–321–5947 or [email protected].
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