Lori Sims, Professor of Piano at Western Michigan University, will present the next concert of the Drake University Keys to Excellence Piano Series on Monday, April 8, at 7:30 p.m. in Sheslow Auditorium. Admission is free. The concert program features a tantalizing selection of predominantly French works:

  • César Franck: Prelude Chorale and Fugue, FVW 21                  
  • Claude Debussy: Preludes from Book II
    • La Terrace des Audiences du clair de lune
    • Ondine
  • Frédéric Chopin: Ballade No. 4 in f minor, Op. 52                         
  • Messiaen: Le Baiser de l’Enfant Jésus from Vingt Regards sur l’enfant Jésus
  • Maurice Ravel: Gaspard de la Nuit, M. 55                                           

Professor Sims will also present a masterclass featuring Drake piano students on Sunday, April 7, at 4 p.m. in Sheslow Auditorium.

Keys to Excellence Piano Series is supported by Drake University Jordan Concerts. For more information, contact Nicholas Roth at 515-321-5947 or nicholas.roth@drake.edu.

KEYS TO EXCELLENCE PIANO SERIES 2023–2024:

GARIK PEDERSEN – Eastern Michigan University, Professor Emeritus

  • October 1: Masterclass
  • October 2: Concert

BRUCE BRUBAKER – New England Conservatory

  • November 12: Masterclass
  • November 13: Concert

NICHOLAS ROTH – Drake University – Sally B. Bartlett Memorial

  • November 27: Concert (no masterclass)

LORI SIMS – Western Michigan University

  • April 7: Masterclass
  • April 8: Concert

Keys to Excellence features internationally acclaimed pianists in concert. All events are held in Sheslow Auditorium. Masterclasses begin at 4 p.m. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.