Liszt and Sky Spirit at HSU by Pianist Timothy Smith

Appearing in the HSU Guest Artist Series, pianist Timothy Smith performs pieces included on his latest recording of Franz Liszt, and a work by a contemporary Alaska composer incorporating Native themes, on Saturday, October 13 in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata.

Timothy Smith is Professor of Piano and head of Piano Studies at the University of Alaska Anchorage. As a performer, Smith won the Artists International Competition and made his New York debut in Carnegie Recital Hall. He is currently a Steinway Concert Artist.

Raised in Seattle, Smith was attending the Julliard School of Music at age 10, and made his orchestral debut at 15. He has appeared with many orchestras in the U.S., Canada and in Asia, where he has given more than 50 concerts. He has recently returned from a month-long concert tour of China.

At HSU, Smith will play several pieces by Franz Liszt. Of his Liszt recording, Fanfare Magazine wrote: “…impressive and towering…one of the more gripping accounts of the (Liszt) sonata in recent memory.”

Smith’s program begins with “Silam Inua,” a 1992 work by Alaska composer Craig Coray, based on Native music recorded in Alaska and northern Canada between 1940 and 1960. The title translates as “Sky Spirit,” representing the Inupiat concept of the spirit that governs all things above the earth: the sky, the weather, the universe.

At HSU, Smith will also play “Sonata No 5 in F# major, Op. 53” by early 20th century Russian pianist and composer Alexander Scriabin, and a work by Chinese composer Chen Peixun.

A celebrated teacher, Timothy Smith will also conduct a free piano workshop on Sunday, October 14, from 10 AM until noon, also in Fulkerson Recital Hall.

The Timothy Smith concert will begin at 8PM on Saturday, October 13 in Fulkerson Recital Hall. Tickets are $10 general, $3 students and seniors, from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door.

Media: Arcata Eye.