PianoSummer performances start Saturday

The first of three performances that are among the events at the SUNY New Paltz’s PianoSummer will take place Saturday, July 15, at 7 p.m. with a Faculty Gala at McKenna Theatre on the university’s campus, 1 Hawk Drive, New Paltz.

PianoSummer is a program in which emerging young pianists from around the world come to study and perform in the Hudson Valley. It includes three weeks of intensive lessons and the annual Jacob Flier Piano Competition for pianists under the age of 35. This year, the Flier Competition carries a new first prize: a solo debut recital at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

The Faculty Gala is a rare chance to hear dynamic classical music performed by six master pianists — all in a single night. The event will highlight showpieces of celebrated composers performed by the PianoSummer faculty.

The next performance will be a guest artist recital by Ilya Rashkovskiy on Saturday, July 22, at McKenna Theatre. Acclaimed for his powerful expressive interpretations and richly eloquent playing, Rashkovskiy has earned a reputation as one of the most promising pianists of his generation.

The performances conclude Friday, July 28, at 7 p.m. with the Flier Competition Gala at McKenna Theatre. On the program will be the winners from last year’s competition. They include first-place finisher Soyoung Choe of South Korea, sedond-place finisher Lim Angela Tchoi of the United States, and third-place finishers Mi Ou Lee of Canada and Akira Kaku of Japan.

Tickets for all three performances are $30, $25 for seniors ages 62 and older, faculty and staff, and students.

Call the box office at (845) 257-3880, send an email to boxoffice@newpaltz.edu or visit newpaltz. edu/piano/ for more information.