Philharmonic Benefit Recital

On Monday December 5, 2011 at 7:30pm the Texas A&M International University held a performance by Jolyon Pegis and Dr. Bret Serrin in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall. The concert was open to the public; however donations, to be used toward ensuring free orchestral concerts throughout the yea, were accepted. The Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra sponsored the concert.

Jolyon Pegis is a music director who has served as an instructor at several schools, and worked with famous composers. Mr. Pegis was one of the winners in the International Awards in New York City. He debuted in 1990 at Weill Recital Hall in New York. Since then he has appeared as both a member of some Grammy nominated ensembles, as well as a soloist accompanied by several symphony orchestras. He is currently an Associate Principal Cellist of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and Assistant Principal Cellist of the Chautauqua Symphony. Fall 2012 TAMIU will host a solo performance by Mr. Pegis with the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Dr. Bret Serrin is widely recognized as one of the United States' most brilliant young teachers and pianists, according to the Suzuki Institute of Dallas.Dr. Serrin has won various prestigious scholarships and awards throughout the world. He was invited to perform for the National Public Radio, is a recipient of gold and silver medals from international piano competitions, and he is currently the chair of the piano department at the Suzuki Music Institute of Dallas and faculty of the keyboard division at the University of North Texas.

TAMIU was able to secure Dr. Serrin and Mr. Pegis as both performers and instructors for a music master course. After a day with the students both musicians performed several pieces starting with Sonata in d minor playing Prologue and Serenade et Finale by Claude Debussy. They continued with Sonada in d Major, Op.102 Nr.2 performing Aleegro con brio, Adagio con molto sentiment d'affetto, and Allegro by Ludwig van Beethoven. A short intermission took place to finalize with the last part of the show which played Sonata in C Major,Op.119 with Andate grave, Modertao, and Allegro ma non troppo by Sergei Prokofieff.

This performance was made possible by a generous donation made by the D.D. Hachar Charitable Trust Fund. The purpose of the donation was to increase the education outreach for the fine and performing arts. The public showed their support by providing monetary donations as well.

If any student or the public wants to get informed about this event you can visit the University's website at http://www.tamiu.edu/calendar/or contact the art department at (956) 326-2787.

Sandy Lugo may be contacted at sandylugoespinoza@dusty.tamiu.edu