The UTM Piano Ensemble, directed by Dr. Elaine Harriss, professor of music, will present an evening of holiday music for one and two pianos at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, in the Bill and Roberta Blankenship Recital Hall in Room 122 of the Fine Arts Building.
The featured work on the program is Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite” arranged for two pianos. Additional pieces include Leroy Anderson’s popular “Sleigh Ride,” an unusual setting of “Jingle Bells,” three Christmas carols arranged by Norman Dello Joio, and Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.”
The grand finale is a novelty piece, “Arrival of Santa Claus,” played by 14 pianists at seven pianos and featuring a very special holiday guest to be revealed at the concert.
Performers include university piano students Grace Browning of Memphis, Jacob Callender of Clarksville, Thomas Holcomb of Puryear, Konami Ishikowa of Japan, Katie Lownsdale of Union City, Timothy Odle of Trenton and Christopher Ostenson of Martin.
Teachers on the program include Robin Pape and Victoria Russell of Martin, Linda Farmer of Dresden and Linda Williams of Union City.
Harriss and Dr. Chan Mi Jean, lecturer of music, and high school students Chloe Baumgardner, Elizabeth Woody and Tyler Lownsdale will also be featured.
There is no admission charge, and the public is invited to attend.
PHOTO: Dr. Elaine Harriss poses for a photo in July 2023. She will direct the UTM Piano Ensemble on Nov. 12 in a holiday program in the Bill and Roberta Blankenship Recital Hall in Room 122 of the Fine Arts Building.
