Imagine an opportunity to see two highly talented, renowned musicians without paying for overpriced tickets. Imagine no more because that opportunity is here.
Musicians Roberto Diaz and Kwan Yi will be performing next week at Studzinski Recital Hall.
On Wednesday, guests will have the chance to see Diaz, a well-respected violist performing alongside Yi, a promising pianist who is at the start of his musical career.
The musicians will perform Brahms Sonatas for viola and piano, arranged by Csaba Erdélyi.
"The Brahms sonatas for viola and piano are so gorgeous and I can't wait to hear them in person," said Rachel Furo Lopkin '13, who will turn pages during the Yi's performance.
Not only will music students have the opportunity to attend the performance, they will also have the opportunity to meet with Diaz. During his visit, Diaz will offer classes for viola students and ensemble groups.
In this way, Director of Events and Summer Programs Tony Sprague said, "Students get to benefit not only from hearing him as a performer, but also [by taking] advantage of his talents as a guest instructor for the day."
Diaz was the former principal violist of the Philadelphia Orchestra. He is currently the President and CEO of the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.
The Office of Events and Summer Programs and the Music Department worked closely to organize Diaz's visit to campus. Over the years, Diaz has established a close relationship with Bowdoin.
According to Sprague, "Bowdoin has a very strong relationship with Diaz which has led to him visiting campus frequently over the past few years for recitals as well as his receipt of an Honorary Degree at Commencement in 2007."
Although Diaz mostly focuses on his role as President of the Curtis Institute of Music, Sprague said that, "[Diaz] continues to travel on a limited basis as a performing artist and, as is the case with Yi, will often have a student or former student from the Curtis Institute taking part in the recital with him."
Fellow performer and pianist Yi has been highly praised for his "lyrical elegance" and "technical assurance" by the Houston Chronicle. Often collaborating with Diaz, he earned his bachelor's degree at the Curtis Institute of Music and his master's degree at The Juilliard School.
Currently, Yi is studying with acclaimed conductor and pianist Leon Fleisher at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University.
Diaz and the Office of Events and Summer Programs were quick to work out a date for Diaz and Yi to perform at College.
"[When] we heard that Roberto planned a limited set of recitals to perform works from Brahms...we worked out November 17 as the date that Roberto could visit Bowdoin," said Sprague.
With Diaz playing the role of performer and instructor for a day at Bowdoin, this is surely an event that is not to be missed.
Lopkin, who plays the piano and flute, is excited about the rare opportunity to interact with the professional performers.
"I was not familiar with Diaz and Yi before being asked to turn pages, but having since looked them up. I think it's wonderful that Diaz returns so often to Bowdoin to perform and work with students," said Lopkin.
The performance will take place on Wednesday, November 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Kanbar Auditorium in Studzinski Recital Hall.
Tickets are free for Bowdoin students, faculty, staff and current members of the Association of Bowdoin Friends.
This story was edited for correctness after its original publish date.