The Thursday Scholarship Series Goes to Space

The Hugh Hodgson School of Music’s Thursday Scholarship Series will continue on Thursday, November 15thwith an Intergalactic Piano Extravaganza. The University of Georgia piano faculty, along with students, guests, and five grand pianos, will take the Hodgson Hall stage at 7:30 pm, Earth Time. 

From solo piano selections, to piano duets, to music for 5 pianos, the star-studded cast of the UGA piano faculty and students will present selections by favorite composers from Bach to John Williams, with much of the program relating to the "stars." Acting as Master of Ceremonies, Professor of Piano and Associate Director for Research and Graduate Studies, Pete Jutras, will guide us through the cosmos throughout the evening.

“Hearing five pianos played together is a rare treat for the performers and audience alike. At one point, you'll experience the majesty of 100 fingers (10 players) all performing at the same time!” says Martha Thomas, the Despy Karlas Professor of Piano and Associate Director for Undergraduate Programs at the Hodgson School. She remarks that audiences can also look forward to a musical battle ensuing at one point of the night.

Many guests will be joining the extravaganza, including DMA percussionist Denis Petrunin, members of the UGA string faculty and their students, and the Dunamis Duo, which includes UGA piano graduate Soojung Jeon and DMA pianist Yoonsook Song.

“The "intergalactic" theme for this concert reflects all of the musical selections on the program. We wanted to present music that is truly out of this world,” says Dr. Thomas.

The performance is generously underwritten by WUGA, Athens’ public radio station and UGA affiliate. “The entire Hugh Hodgson School of Music is greatly indebted to WUGA for their support of our school. The piano faculty are extremely appreciative of our involvement with WUGA and look forward to more collaborations in the future,” says Dr. Thomas.

This family-friendly concert celebrates all things piano with music that will take the audience to infinity and beyond. Tickets are $20 for adults and $6 for students and children and can be purchased online at pac.uga.edu or by calling the Performing Arts Center Box Office at 706-542-4400. All proceeds go directly to supporting student scholarships. For those unable to attend the concert, live streaming will be available online at music.uga.edu/live-streaming.