Nicholas Shaneyfelt

This Saturday (4/9) at 5:30PM, Nicholas Shaneyfelt will be presenting a concert of American songs on the Gershwin Steinway in the Britton Recital Hall of the U-M Moore Music Building. Nicholas devised his concert to feature composers who are less often performed but vital to the collection of American song. They include the pioneers of the genre: Edward MacDowell, Charles Griffes, and Arthur Farwell; African American composers like Robert Owens and Leslie Adams; composers who pushed the genre forward in the 60s and 70s, like Dominick Argento and Lee Hoiby; and voices of today, including Jake Heggie, Ben Moore, Tom Cipullo. While Gershwin’s songs are not on the program, Nicholas noted that his seminal influence upon American song can be heard throughout the program, and he hinted that we just might be able to expect some Gershwin in an encore.

Nicholas praised the Gershwin Steinway noting how he was “immediately struck by the warmth of tone and clarity of sound” of the instrument. To Nicholas, “It will always be a special instrument because George Gershwin owned it, played it, composed in front of it. But its significance is deeper because it creates a superior sound and remains in service at the University of Michigan.”

Toi toi toi from all of us at Gershwin Initiative, it is sure to be a lovely evening of song! If you are in the area consider joining us on Saturday.  If you aren’t in town the concert can be live streamed at this link: http://livestream.com/accounts/13187677/events/5129145

20th Century American songs
25 songs by 25 composers
Saturday, April 9th at 5:30 p.m.
Britton Recital Hall
University of Michigan
performed on the Gershwin Steinway

Nicholas Shaneyfelt, piano
with
Dorian L. Dillard II
Ashley Dixon
Jessica Dold
Michael Miller
Sandra Periord
Luke Randall
Carlos Santelli
Ashley Stanley