The United States is classical musically challenged. Long a nation that prefers the rock ballad to the sonata, classical musicians, regardless of talent, generally fall under the radar.
Thankfully, Europeans are paying attention and they’re saying that Laura Kargul is a fantastic pianist.
Kargul, who is currently the Director of Keyboard Studies at USM, is a Michigan native who has been involved with music for most of her life. She made her first appearance as a solo concert pianist at the age of 13 playing with an orchestra in Detroit. After her European debut in 1985, Kargul was warmly received by audiences and local news outlets, a reception that has repeated itself many times since.
Widely respected for her work with Liszt compositions, Kargul will play his “Chapel of William Tell,” “Ave Maria” and “Funerailles.” Also on the program are pieces is Beethoven’s “Waldstein Sonata and a suite excerpted from Ravel’s “Daphnis and Chloe.”
Laura Kargul’s recital will be held in Corthell Hall on the Gorham campus on Oct. 26 and again on Nov. 2, both at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for the general public, $7 for seniors and $5 for students. Reservations for this likely sell-out show can be made through the Music Box Office at 780-5555.