Pianist José R. López to present recital, free masterclass and lecture at Concordia

Pianist Dr. José R. López, a performer and scholar known for bringing overlooked composers to wider audiences, will present a recital at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at Concordia College.

The performance will take place in Christiansen Recital Hall in Hvidsten Hall of Music as part of the college's Cultural Events Series. Lopez’s repertoire spans Romantic, Classical, and contemporary works, with a particular interest in rediscovering music by Cuban and Spanish composers.

Lopez is a professor and coordinator of the piano program at Florida International University in Miami. His career includes performances with orchestras, solo recitals, and chamber music collaborations throughout the United States, Italy, and Central and South America. He also has recorded for several classical music labels, including Toccata Classics, Albany, and Innova.

His research and recording projects have helped bring attention to lesser-known composers. His recordings include the complete solo piano works of Italian composer Riccardo Malipiero and piano transcriptions by French Romantic composer Charles-Valentin Alkan. He also has pursued a series focused on rediscovering the works of Cuban composers.

Tickets for the recital are $24 for adults, $22 for seniors, and $10 for students. Tickets are available online at ConcordiaTickets.com or by calling the box office at 218-299-4366.

Public Masterclass and Lecture

In addition to the recital, Lopez will lead a public masterclass and present a lecture on Cuban piano music.

The masterclass will take place from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, in Christiansen Recital Hall. Three Concordia piano students will perform and receive instruction from Lopez. The masterclass is free and open to the public.

Lopez will present a lecture on 19th-century piano music by Cuban composers from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, in Christiansen Recital Hall. The lecture is also free and open to the public.