Celebration of Great Composers - Concert Lecture Series!

We welcome the 18th anniversary of the Celebration of Great Composers. Johann Strauss II – Dance Through Time with the Waltz King!

Join us for a magical afternoon of music as we pay tribute to the legendary Johann Strauss II, the beloved Waltz King! This special annual recital will feature enchanting performances by our guest pianist and talented local young musicians. Immerse yourself in the world of waltzes, polkas and other dance music as we celebrate Strauss influence on the art of composition. Whether you're a lifelong fan of classical music or a newcomer, this event promises to be a delightful journey through the rhythms of time.

About the Program

The Celebration of Great Composers has become a great SU tradition that gives local piano students from elementary to high school age the opportunity to perform on the Steinway concert piano at Salisbury University, Great Hall of Holloway Hall. Founded by music faculty member Luba Paskova in 2006, the series originated as a way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth. The concert series is a great opportunity to bring young pianists to SU’s Concert Hall and gives them the unforgettable experience of public performance. In addition to learning about a variety of composers, students also gain experience in understanding concert etiquette and audience participation. This series serves as a fundraiser for Salisbury University Performing Arts Fund. The annual event is open to the public, a donation of $5.00 is recommended at the door.

More information about the event:

The Celebration of Great Composers series was originated in 2006 as a way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth. Being a part of the Music Department Outreach Program, the concert series is a great opportunity to bring young pianists to SU’s Concert Hall and gives them the unforgettable experience of public performance. The annual event is open to the public.

For the last few years we were fortunate to accommodate guest composers like Viktoriia Babaeva from Saint-Petersburg, Russia, Jeffrey Chappell from Washington DC, Kat Souponetsky from Philadelphia, and Maurizio Bignone from Sicily, Italy. Meeting with a live composer always creates a huge impact on local piano students and the audience. It gives young people tremendous motivation and inspiration for further studying.

Previous Concerts:

• 2006: Mozart at 250
• 2007: Immortal Spirit of Beethoven
• 2009: Bach - The Dynasty and Legacy
• 2010: Schumann Meets Chopin
• 2011: Lisztomania
• 2012: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Poetry & Passion
• 2013: Verdi, Wagner: A Day at the Opera
• 2014: Viva Sonata!
• 2015: MUSIQUE FRANÇAISE
• 2016: Mozart at 260
• 2017: Women Composers: Genius is Gender Blind
• 2018: American Composers: Classical Meets Jazz
• 2019: From Russia with Music: Beautiful Stories and Heritage of Russian Composers
• 2020: event canceled due-to the COVID-19
• 2021: Immortal Spirit of Beethoven: Ludwig at 250. Bridging Classical to Romantic, His Influence Endures.
• 2022: LA MUSICA ITALIANO: The Cultural Legacy of Italian Music
• 2023: Music of Asia: Blossoms from the East

• 2024: German Romanticism: Beauty, Passion, and the Divine