The Manhattan Piano Trio will bring a taste of classical music to Abilene when they perform on campus Monday.
The MPT is a professional music band with three members: Wayne Lee, the violinist, Dmitry Kouzov, the group’s cellist, and Milana Strezeva, the pianist. The group has been recognized for its electrifying performances in international competitions. According to its website, since 2004, the trio has captured grand prizes at the Plowman Competition and at the Yellow Springs Competition; runner-up at the Chesapeake Competition; and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Listeners’ Choice Award in Melbourne.
“They are a great group,” said Lynette Walters, the Department of Music administrative assistant. “We invite guest musicians to ACU to encourage our students to stick to their goals and keep practicing their skills by enjoying the music performed by those who have achieved professional level. ”
The concert is open not only to students but also to the Abilene community. Walters said it is a great opportunity for community members to enjoy live and quality performances. The concert is family-friendly and will last for about an hour.
Keely Swim, sophomore vocal performance major from Abilene, plans to go to the concert. “I haven’t grown up with piano, so it is going to be different for me,” said Swim. “But I am looking forward to the concert. I think it will be really good.”
Stephanie Frakes, senior vocal music education major from McAllen, who has been playing piano for 14 years, plans to attend the performance as well.
“I expect it to be really good,” said Frakes. “Piano trio is my favorite. Last year, we had a trio come in, and the performance was great. I expect a high-quality concert you don’t normally hear in Texas.”
The ACU music department has been hosting concerts by inviting guest musicians to Abilene. After the performance of MPT, the Bands’ Winter Concert will take place on Dec. 8 in Cullen Auditorium and the Christmas Vespers at Abilene’s First Baptist Church on Dec. 10. All sorts of performances, like choirs, orchestra, percussion and jazz, take place all season until May.
The performance starts at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Williams Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. Admission is free. People interested can go to acu.edu/music to get more information.
