Guest Pianist to perform for Denton Campus

By: Katie Olson, Editor-in-Chief

On October 20, the TWU Music Department will hold a guest recital featuring associate professor of music Jerry Wong from Kent State University. Wong, according to Kent State’s music department website, has traveled all over the United States as well as Europe and Asia. His biography includes prestigious performances in the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., the Opera City Hall in Tokyo, and the Weill Recital Hall in New York City.

In an interview with The Lasso, Wong described how he found his passion for playing the piano. He explained: “My mother was a pianist, and she showed me things at the instrument from a very young age. I began formal lessons at age eight and performed in a public recital shortly thereafter.”

The first half of the solo recital will consist of works by Claude Debussy, which Wong describes as musical compositions that imitate or refer to dance music. The second part of the program will include works by Franz Liszt that were inspired by nature and poetry.

Wong shared: “These works reveal beautiful sounds and colors. I know that the audience will enjoy these aspects of the music.”

Throughout his well-traveled music career, Wong has appreciated many aspects of performing piano, but always keeps in mind one desired outcome: the audience’s entertainment.

Wong said: “I truly appreciate the opportunity to connect with an audience. Sharing works that I have treasured for many years is one of my greatest joys.”

Not only does Wong look forward to performing for an audience at TWU, but he also looks forward to reconnecting with an old colleague as well.

Wong elaborated: “I’m very appreciative to Dr. Richard Shuster, Professor of Piano at TWU, for arranging this recital. We have been friends and colleagues for many years, and I’m overjoyed to see him again.”

For more information please visit the TWU music department’s website at http://www.twu.edu/music/.