Henderson State University to host The New York Classical Players

ARKADELPHIA — A musical ensemble known for its energetic classical performances will be in residency at Henderson State University today and Thursday.

The New York Classical Players will conclude their visit with a concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Russell Fine Arts recital hall. The performance is free and open to the public.

The program includes “Omaggio a Gesualdo for String Orchestra,” by Eric Nathan; Piano Concerto No. 2, by Chopin, featuring Hee-Kyung Juhn, associate professor of applied piano at Henderson; Concerto for Two Violins in D minor, by Bach; and Prelude and Scherzo, Op. 11, by Shostakovich.

Orchestra members will also present a conducting master class Thursday at 1:30 p.m. and a string master class at 2:30 p.m. A chamber music concert is scheduled for today at 7:30 p.m. All events will be in the recital hall.

“The New York Classical Players are known for energetic performances where the conductor and the small-size ensemble really become one and create exciting music together,” Juhn said in a news release. “Some of their YouTube performances have become a sensation around the globe.”

Juhn said she and the ensemble’s conductor, Dongmin Kim, became acquainted as classmates at Indiana University’s school of music.

“We performed together on several occasions, and I remember we often talked about our unknown future as musicians,” she said. “He was also a strong Christian leader in the international student community on campus, and I had a lot of respect for his music and his values.”

Juhn said she is looking forward to collaborating with Kim once again when they perform Chopin’s Piano Concert No. 2.

“It surely will be the highlight of my career at Henderson,” she said.

The New York Classical Players are that region’s only professional orchestra that shares exclusively free performances. Comprised of creative and virtuosic young musicians, NYCP’s adventurous programming shares familiar masterpieces, bold new commissions and unexpected music treasures.

Email Juhn at juhnh@hsu.edu for more information.