The Kent Keyboard Series opens its 2013-2014 season with a performance by the Westhuizen Duo on Sunday, Oct. 27, at 5 p.m. in the newly renovated Ludwig Recital Hall. Ludwig Recital Hall is located in the Center for the Performing Arts at 1325 Theatre Drive on the Kent Campus.
Audience members will be able to hear this dynamic duo perform pieces such as Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56b by Johannes Brahms; Gazebo Dances for four-hands (1972) by John Corigliano, Petite Suite, L 65 for four-hands by Claude Debussy and Variations on a Theme by Beethoven by Camille Saint-Saëns.
South Africans Pierre and Sophié Westhuizen completed their studies at the College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati. The duo has appeared in major festivals and venues throughout the United States and South Africa, and their interest in new music has led to premiere performances of works written for the duo by young composers.
The Westhuizen Duo resides in the Cleveland area, where Pierre has recently been appointed as the executive director of the Cleveland International Piano Competition. Sophié teaches piano at the Cleveland Music Settlement, Aurora School of Music and privately. The duo's latest CD release, on AMP Recordings, features the complete works for two pianos by Francis Poulenc.
This year, the Kent Keyboard Series’ 11th season continues the celebration of the Hugh A. Glauser School of Music’s recent designation as an All-Steinway School. The Kent Keyboard Series features prominent performers known in the field for their expertise.
Tickets for the performance are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and Kent State faculty and staff, $10 for groups of 10 or more patrons, $8 for non-Kent State students, $5 for children and free for full-time Kent Campus undergraduate students.
Tickets are available weekdays noon to 5 p.m. at the Performing Arts Box Office, located in the lobby of the Roe Green Center in the Center for the Performing Arts at 1325 Theatre Drive on the Kent Campus. The Performing Arts Box Office accepts Visa, MasterCard and Discover, in addition to cash and checks.
The Ludwig Recital Hall box office will open one hour prior to the performance for walk-up sales and will accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover. Tickets and more information are available by calling 330-672-ARTS (2787) or visiting www.kent.edu/music.