The University of Tennessee at Martin's Piano Ensemble is all set to serve up a musical tribute this Thursday, April 17, at the Blankenship Recital Hall. The evening's repertoire is not just a spring program but also an homage to the ensemble's founder, Dr. Allison Nelson Neal Loebbaka, who recently passed away. Professor emeritus of music and a trailblazer for UTM's Piano Ensemble, Loebbaka's legacy will echo throughout the hall in a performance that begins at 7:30 p.m., UTM announced.
In what promises to be an engaging spectacle, audiences will witness a large assembly of pianists playing in tandem, a tribute fitting for a founder who was known for fostering collaboration and musical exploration. Among the more intricate pieces slated for performance are three works composed for two pianos, eight hands – including the "Danse Macabre" by Camille Saint-Saens, which brings a thrilling flavor to the stage. But perhaps the most ambitious item on the program, Arthur Frackenpohl’s “Intro and Rag” is scored for an impressive four pianos, requiring 16 hands to come to life.
UTM's Piano Ensemble will bid farewell to another instrumental figure within their ranks, as Dr. Elaine Harriss, professor of music and director of the ensemble, is set to retire after a distinguished career. Harriss has imparted more than 50 years of piano instruction, and her tenure at UT Martin spans 24 years. The spring program serves as her swan song, and it's shaping up to be a grand exit worthy of her impactful tenure, as reported by UTM News.
Adding to the evening's luster is the recent acquisition of a nine-foot Steinway grand piano donated by the former Community Concert Association of Union City and Obion County. This new addition means the department now boasts a total of four grand pianos, allowing for more complex and rich performances. The beloved instrument, previously owned by Turner Kirkland of Union City since 1975, adds both history and depth to the ensemble's capabilities. Performers include a blend of university piano students and area teachers who are gearing up to present an unforgettable night of music.
The mix of seasoned professionals and young talent is anticipated to deliver a unique experience reflective of both the ensemble’s past and its future. Students and local instructors like Linda Farmer of Dresden, Linda Williams, and Rita Winter of Union City will take the stage alongside university pianists including Grace Browning of Memphis, and Konami Ishikowa from Japan, ensuring a vibrant display of musical finesse that honors the storied past of UTM's Piano Ensemble while beckoning its promising future.
