Dr. Kevin Orr, professor of piano in the School of Music, will perform two solo recitals in Italy in November. On Nov. 14, 2014, he will perform in Rome at the Festival Pianistico Internazionale at Sant’Agnese in Agone, and on Nov. 16, 2014 he will appear in Bari in the series Coretto Assozionne Musicale at Auditorium Valisa e Circolo Unione.
Orr said these opportunities came about after making connections while serving on the jury for an international competition in Grosetto, just outside of Rome, a few years ago.
“Although I’ve been engaged in Italy a number of times, this is my first time performing in either Rome or Bari,” says Orr. “I’m thrilled by the opportunity to experience the cultural riches of these cities, while offering them something personal in return.”
In addition to teaching at UF, Orr travels internationally for performances and master classes two to four times per year. He also gives a number of solo and collaborative performances nationally and locally each year.
Orr says the core of the program consists of five Romantic ballades—a sort of historical overview of the form. “To soften the mood, I’ll begin with a more lighthearted Beethoven sonata and end with a jazz-influenced rendition of the Paganini Variations by American Robert Muczynski,” Orr says.
Audiences in Gainesville will have a chance to see the same program that will delight Italian audiences on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. in the Music Building, Room 101. To learn more about Orr’s performance at UF, click here.
