Belmont University School of Music
THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024
7:30 P.M.
MCAFEE CONCERT HALL
Belmont University School of Music presents
Dr. Scott Watkins, piano
Sonata No. 14 in C minor, K457 W.A. Mozart
Allegro (1756-1791)
Adagio
Molto allegro
Three Pieces, Op. 18
Howard Hanson
Studio Ritmico – Moderato ma con moto (1896-1981)
Studio Melodico – Andante teneramente
Poema Idillico – Un poco lento ma liberamente
Années de Pelèrinage, Deuxième Année: Italia
Franz Liszt
Sonetto 123 del Petrarca (1811-1886)
Sonetto 104 del Petrarca
Vallée d’Obermann Franz Liszt
from Années de Pelèrinage, Première Année: Suisse (1811-1886)
About the Performer
Pianist Scott Watkins has performed as recitalist, collaborator, and concerto soloist in Europe, North and South America, and China. Winner of the 1986 Artistic Ambassador Award sponsored by the U.S. State Department, Watkins embarked on a two-month concert tour of South America. The year prior he made his debut recital in Chicago, an all-Bach program broadcast on WFMT.
For nearly forty years he has appeared on international concert stages and with instrumentalists and vocalists ranging from violinists Eugene Fodor, Lisa Ferrigno, and Hillary Hahn, to cellists Alexei Romanenko and Yehuda Hanani. He has also performed with tenor Stanford Olson and soprano Elizabeth Futral. He has been heard as soloist with The Brevard Symphony Orchestra and Christopher Confessore seven times in music
by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Grieg, Hanson, Liszt, and Beethoven. His most recent solo recording, “American Piano Sonatas,” which features music by Howard Hanson, Carlisle Floyd, and William Schirmer, earned high praise from Fanfare Magazine and The Dallas Morning News. His 2015 recital at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall at which he gave the New York premiere of Hanson’s Piano Sonata was described by New York Concert Review as “a highly praiseworthy concert – a fulfilling musical evening. Watkins played with excellent attention to detail and respect for the score ... [and] with the fidelity of a music historian.” Described by the Eastman School of Music’ archivist as “the sole living champion of Hanson’s piano music,” Watkins is the editor of Hanson’s “Symphonic Rhapsody,” published in 2018 by Carl Fischer, and has performed Hanson’s music internationally, including the composer’s Piano Concerto. Scott Watkins is currently Professor of Piano at Jacksonville University where he teaches a class of award-winning students, lectures on piano literature and coaches chamber music. Watkins earned his Doctor of Music degree at Florida State University where he studied with Edward Kilenyi. He has also studied with Bela Siki and Raymond Dudley.
Bio provided by Dr. Scott Watkins
Upcoming Concerts and Events
Voxology
Friday, April 5, 7:30 p.m. Massey Concert Hall
Join Belmont University’s College of Music and Performing Arts
The Sounds of Belmont on Saturday, April 20th in the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. Experience an evening of stories and songs to support our talented students. The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by a festive dessert reception for all guests and performers. The purchase of a ticket to this concert and reception will benefit endowed music and theatre scholarship funds for students in the college. Premier works from the College of Music and Performing Arts Fall 2023-Spring 2024 performance season will be showcased. This concert and reception is celebrating its thirty-fourth year (formerly the President’s Concert and Reception).
For more information on upcoming concerts and events, please visit www.belmont.edu/cmpa or “like” Belmont University School of Music on Facebook.
