Classical music will reverberate throughout Gibson Hall next Wednesday when six students perform piano pieces they've spent an intensive semester on.
The students have been studying piano under Visiting Artist-in-Residence George Lopez, a critically-acclaimed recitalist who is widely considered one of the best chamber musicians of his generation.
Students, who were personally selected by Lopez, will be performing pieces by Brahms, Bach, Chopin, Liszt and Beethoven.
"[A student] needs to have an above-average commitment to their piano studies, generally playing upper-intermediate to advanced repertoire," he explained.
Lopez aims to help his students develop their musical technique and "to embrace the music more and more fully and leave behind the safety net of what they are used to doing."
Lopez works individually with each of his students, as they all have "different desires and expectations for their progress," he said.
"He seems perfectly at ease teaching regardless of the student's technical mastery," said Craig Comen '12, who started experimenting with piano during his first year. "His attitude and love for the music he plays fuels his passion to teach me in ways that suit my needs."
Comen, who will be performing, said Lopez has "impeccable technical mastery" and his "general attitude" is inspiring.
"When hearing Lopez play an immensely difficult piece in front of you, one can't help but smile in awe," he said.
"[Lopez] has helped me a great deal in improving my technique and musicianship," said Allen Wong '14, who will be performing in the recital. "He provides an encouraging atmosphere for me to always ask questions, rather than telling me how to play a piece of music."
"While Mr. Lopez has an enormous knowledge of the music we work on, I think the greatest asset in being his student is his openness to new ideas and new ways to approach the same music," Wong added.
"George is patient and pushes me to develop," said Comen. "His advice about performance anxiety has been helpful."
Lopez hopes to have each of his students perform at some point this year, which he sees as key to "take risks with their abilities and perceived limitations and then ultimately stay at the edge of the musical expression without becoming self-conscious."
Lopez said that Wednesday's recital has "no theme per se," but he hopes "that the students can remember to draw out of themselves and the music."
Performance pieces were carefully selected for each of the students depending on their needs and interests.
"The pieces were chosen from a selection I gav-e to each student to help them get to the next place in their development," said Lopez.
"I hope the audience is moved," said Lopez. "That will depend to what degree the audience actually engages [in] the performances and allow themselves to be drawn in, which in turn depends on the quality and commitment of the performers."
The recital will take place at 4 p.m. in Gibson Hall on Wednesday and is open to the public.
Said Lopez, "My students are wonderful and hard-working, so come prepared to be excited."