The USQ Keyboard Ticklers will return to the USQ Arts Theatre stage this weekend to present another thrilling piano recital. Made up principally of the students of the University’s Piano Studio, the ensemble has enjoyed great popularity since its inception in 2010.The concert will showcase the vast musical talent in the University’s music program featuring the School of Creative Arts’ current piano students together with an exciting array of Alumni musicians.
In what can only be described as a tour-de-force of music-making, their 2012 concert will combine the sounds of two grand and four upright pianos, choir, percussion and organ. The concert will showcase the vast musical talent in the University’s music program featuring the School of Creative Arts’ current piano students together with an exciting array of Alumni musicians performing an all-Russian program.
Putting together such a mammoth production has taken months of reworking of scores and rehearsals under the direction of USQ Senior Lecturer in Music, Dr Phillip Gearing and Associate Music Director, Morgan Chalmers. Currently completing the final year of his Bachelor of Creative Arts (Music) degree, Morgan is also a talented composer, arranger and conductor who has been the Associate Music Director of the Keyboard Ticklers since 2010.
Putting together the arrangements for this year’s concert has been particularly exciting and challenging for the young musician. “In the past, our programs have all had a particular central idea – in 2010 it was creating a homogenous ‘big-piano’ sound and in 2011 it was simulating an orchestra on pianos,” said Morgan. “This year I could categorise the program with one word – colour.”
“Russian music provides a rich source of colourful music both musically and instrumentally and provides examples of some of the most masterfully orchestrated compositions of the 19th and 20th centuries.” he said.
“The program celebrates the depth, drama and distinctive emotional colour of Russian music,” said Musical Director, Dr Phillip Gearing. “We have selected an excellent overview of Russian music including works by Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Mussorgsky and Stravinsky.”
The Piano Spectacular will be presented at 7.30pm on Saturday 2 June and 2pm on Sunday 3 June in the USQ Arts Theatre. Tickets are $27 adult, $21.50 concession, $16.50 student, $8.50 child and can be purchased through the USQ Artsworx Box Office on 07 4631 1111.
Submitted by:
Michelle Fox
Marketing Manager
USQ ArtsworX
University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba
Ph 07 4631 1114
