Join us for Piano Day featuring esteemed guest artist Bernadene Blaha, Full Professor of Practice at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music.
The event begins with a two-hour masterclass, offering a unique opportunity to observe high-level teaching and gain insights into artistry and technique.
Following the masterclass, a relaxed Q&A session provides time to connect with Ms. Blaha and engage with the University of Arizona piano faculty and students while enjoying savory bites.
The evening concludes with the 16th Annual Michael Moore Memorial Piano Competition, featuring outstanding undergraduate pianists from the University of Arizona. You will also have the opportunity to vote for your favorite performance of the night and help our student win the audience prize at the competition!
Enjoy the chance to experience the vibrant musical community at the University of Arizona, meet current students and piano faculty, and immerse yourself in an inspiring day of music and conversation!
Admission is free and open to the public.
Please RSVP by Sunday, March 23rd to ensure we have enough food for all attendees. https://forms.gle/7e4c5SQwVA1zfYrP9
Contact Dr. Rie Tanaka (rtanaka@arizona.edu) with any questions.
Event Schedule:
4:00 pm Master Class with Ms. Bernadene Blaha (Crowder Hall)
6:00 pm Q&A with Refreshments (Green Room)
7:00 pm Final Round of the 15th Annual Michael Moore Memorial Piano Competition (Holsclaw Hall)
8:30 pm Award Ceremony (Holsclaw Hall)
Guest Artist:
Bernadene Blaha’s “brilliant command of the piano”, whether featured as a recitalist, concerto soloist, or chamber musician, has been heralded in performances throughout North America, Europe, Australia, Asia, and Mexico. Piano and Keyboard magazine has reviewed her as, “a pianist of integrity, with lovely sonorities and total clarity of line.”
Originally from Canada, Ms. Blaha first came to international attention as a prizewinner in the Montreal Symphony Orchestra Competition; the Young Keyboard Artists International Piano Competition, Grand Rapids, Michigan; the Masterplayers International Competition, Lugano, Switzerland; and the 11th Annual International Piano Competition, New York City. Ms. Blaha was featured in the opening orchestra concert and a solo recital at the XXIX International Chopin Festival in Marianske Lazne, Czechoslovakia, followed by performances at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., and Disney Hall in Los Angeles.
A highly regarded chamber musician, Ms. Blaha has been a regular guest at international festivals including, The Newport Festival, Tucson Chamber Music Festival, La Jolla Summerfest, Festival of the Sound, Bard Festival, Banff Festival of the Arts, Round Top International Festival, Academie de Fourviere, Lyon and Festival de San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
Also in demand as a teacher, adjudicator and clinician, Ms. Blaha has received the National Arts Foundation’s Outstanding Teacher Recognition Award and the 2017 Thornton School of Music Dean’s Award for Excellence in Professional Activities. She has been invited to serve on the distinguished jury of the Gina Bachauer International Artist Piano Competition, Virginia Waring International Competition and the 2015 International E-Competition.
Currently residing in Los Angeles, Ms. Blaha has been a member of the Keyboard Faculty at the Thornton School of Music, University of Southern California since 1993 where she is a Full Professor.