Composer Frederic Chopin
Long-time professor of music at Gustavus Adolphus College, pianist John McKay, returns to Jussi Björling Recital Hall to present a Faculty Emeritus Recital celebrating the bicentennials of the births of Frederic Chopin land Robert Schumann. The McKay recital begins at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 26 in Björling Recital Hall. The recital is free and open to the public.
In the first half of Sunday’s celebration, John Mckay will present two works by Robert Schumann: the Arabesque in C major and Carnaval, op. 9. Following intermission, McKay returns to the stage to present works by Frederic Chopin: the Mazurka in C sharp minor and the Nocturne in D flat major, and concludes Sunday’s performance with Chopin’s Waltz in C sharp minor, the Fantaisie-Impromptu and the Scherzo in C sharp minor.
John McKay retired from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2004 after teaching piano and music history for twenty-eight years. A native of Montreal, Canada, Dr. McKay earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music from McGill University, and his graduate degrees at the Eastman School of Music. From 1962 to 1969 McKay lived in Europe and gave recitals in Brussels, London, Vienna, Amsterdam, Lisbon, Munich, Berlin and Cologne. Locally, McKay has appeared often as soloist with the Mankato Symphony Orchestra, including a performance of Bartók’s Piano Concerto No. 3 during Diane Pope’s final season as conductor. In March 2009, he performed Mozart’s Piano Concerto in C major, K. 467 under Ken Freed. In addition to his work as a concert pianist, John McKay co-founded Minnesota Valley Sommarfest and acted as its artistic director for the 17 seasons it presented concert seasons on the Gustavus campus.
John McKay’s piano recital Sunday, September 26 begins at 7:30 p.m. in Björling Recital Hall and is free and open to the public.