Multimedia Presentation at USU of The People United Will Never be Defeated Oct. 28
LOGAN – Professor of piano, piano pedagogy and collaborative arts at the University of Iowa, Alan Huckleberry, gives a free multimedia presentation of Frederic Rzewski’s “The People United Will Never Be Defeated” Sunday, Oct. 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the Russell/Wanlass Performance Hall on Utah State University’s campus. The presentation is part of the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art’s (NEHMA) Museum + Music Series.
Huckleberry is recognized as a multifaceted artist on the classical music scene. He has performed in recitals and as a soloist with orchestras worldwide. He is also in demand as a chamber musician and can be heard on more than ten CDs.
In addition to performing, Huckleberry is passionate about his role as an educator. The piano pedagogy program he heads at the University of Iowa is one of the leading programs in the nation.
“The piano majors and faculty are excited for Dr. Huckleberry’s visit,” Kevin Olson, interim coordinator of the piano program in the Caine College of the Arts, said. “Rzewski’s ‘The People United Will Never Be Defeated’ is not only one of the great 20th century variation sets, but its powerful political message continues to resonate with social issues we are experiencing today.”
Olson said the concert, which includes commentary and projected photographs, will be an unforgettable evening.
Christopher Scheer, adjunct curator of the Museum + Music Series and associate professor of musicology in the Caine College of the Arts, said that like many of the artists featured in NEHMA’s “Collecting on the Edge” exhibition, Rzewski’s music long resided on the fringes of the mainstream until recent reassessment.
“Rzewski’s music combines influences from traditional classical music, contemporary avant-garde practices, jazz and blues into a vivid and compelling aural tapestry,” Scheer said. “At its heart though, the theme on which the work is based is a Chilean protest song, putting social protest at the center of Rzewski’s inspiration.”
Scheer said this element takes on special meaning when juxtaposed by Huckleberry with images of current protest movements in America today and also resonates with the many artists currently on display in the museum whose visual art protests the status quo of their time.
The concert and presentation are free and open to the public and there will be a dessert reception immediately following the concert in NEHMA. For more information, contact the CCA Box Office in room L101 of the Chase Fine Arts Center on USU’s campus, call 435-797-8022, or go online to cca.usu.edu.
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