Nicholas Roth, Professor of Piano at Drake University, will present the Sally B. Bartlett Memorial Concert as the next installment of the Drake University Keys to Excellence Piano Series on Monday, Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m. in Sheslow Auditorium. No charge for admission.
Sally Bartlett was a long-time supporter of the Drake piano program. Her many notable contributions include gifting the magnificent Yamaha CFX concert grand piano in memory of her husband, William, and her father, Melvin. Mrs. Bartlett offered generous financial and moral support to many Drake piano students over the years, and her support continues through the Sally B. Bartlett Scholarship for Piano Study.
Nicholas Roth is a featured performer and teacher throughout North and South America, Europe, and Asia. He is a Yamaha Artist, a Fellow of the American Pianists Association, earned prizes in chamber music competitions in Italy, and received a DAAD grant to further his studies in Germany. Roth holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Michigan State University and additional performance degrees from the Hochschule für Musik in Munich (Germany) and Indiana University. He has recorded for the Blue Griffin, Naxos, MSR Classics & Innova recording labels. Roth is the founder of the Drake University Keys to Excellence Piano Series, now in its 12th season, featuring renowned artists from all over the world.
Roth will perform the following works:
- Chopin: Nocturnes Op. 27, No. 1 & Op. 37, No. 2
- Beethoven: Sonata No. 21, Op. 53 (“Waldstein”)
- Miaskovsky: Song and Rhapsody, Op. 58 (1942)
- Scriabin: Two Poèmes, Op. 32 & Fantasie, Op. 28
- Taneyev: Prelude and Fugue in g-sharp minor, Op. 29
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 2025-2026:
SPENCER MYER – Indiana University
October 26: Masterclass
October 27: Concert
MARTA AZNAVOORIAN & JANET SUNG (violin) – DePaul University
November 9: Masterclass
November 10: Concert
NICHOLAS ROTH – Drake University – Sally B. Bartlett Memorial
December 1: Concert
(No Masterclass)
MOLLY ROSEMAN – University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point
February 15: Masterclass
February 16: Concert
All events in Sheslow Auditorium
Masterclasses 4pm
Concerts 7:30pm FREE ADMISSION