A Steinway Series: Alexandre Moutouzkine

Have you ever wondered about those two beautiful pianos TAMIU possesses? The award-winning Russian pianist, Alexandre Moutouzkine, hosted a piano concert on Saturday Oct. 13, at 10 a.m. and on Sunday Oct. 14, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Texas A&M International University Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall.

The TAMIU Steinway Series hosted its 7th season presentation in order to enrich students and the community with classical music. The artistic and cultural performance was showcased by the talented pianist. Moutouzkine began playing "Firebird Suit" by Stravinsky, Sonata No.21 in C Major and Opus 53 and "Waldstein" by Beethoven, which were applauded by the audience. Followed by an intermission, "Four Etudes" From Opus 8 by Schriabin, and Hungarian Rhapsody No. 9 "Pesther Carneval" by Liszt, reached the audience's ears. The fact that he was not using any notes and the ability of his fingers made a major impact in some of the attendees.  TAMIU student, Jessica Espinoza, stated, "I was amazed of how fast his fingers flied delicately through the keys and the change in motion from one melody to another." Moutouzkine's performance was not only unique, but he was able to transfer the true meaning of these pieces to the audience.

TAMIU faculty artists and guests from all around the world took  part in this series. The two Steinway pianos that were donated to the campus, one B and the other 9-foot concert grand D, thus making TAMIU one of the two Texas universities to be named "All Steinway School." This series will continue the spring semester and on April 7. Di Wu, another international pianist, will be presenting a body of musical compositions.

Alexandre Moutouzkine is an Astral artist, these kind of artists share the belief of empowering current classical talents to leave a legacy for the future. He graduated from Hochschule fur Musik und Theatre in Hannover with a bachelor degree, he continued his master's degree and postgraduate in Manhattan School of Music, where he is currently an associate professor.  He has traveled all around the world, and in recent seasons he has performed with symphonic orchestras. He has been interviewed by International Piano Magazine, and some of his live concerts have been filmed and released in Russia. His talent, which has been recognized in various piano competitions and special awards, has earned him the Astral Artist Award.

For more information, the public may contact the Fine and Performing Arts Department at (956) 326-ARTS

(Sandy Lugo may be reached at sandylugoespinoza@dusty.tamiu.edu)