Dena Kay Jones to Perform “Passionate” Piano Repertoire by Liszt and Albéniz at Chico State in mid-October

Some of the most passionate and wonderful piano repertoire ever written for the instrument will be performed by Dena Kay Jones when she visits Chico State in mid-October for a concert and series of master classes.

An internationally-known pianist from the University of Texas, Jones has performed throughout the U.S. and in Spain, Mexico, and Canada. Her area of focus is Spanish classical piano music; she released a highly-acclaimed CD in October ’07, “Piano Works by Joaquin Rodrigo.”

The concert, “Liszt and Albéniz — Passionate Piano,” will be presented Friday, October 16 beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Rowland-Taylor Recital Hall.

“I’m fascinated by these two composers — Liszt and Albéniz,” said Jones. “Both were war-horse pianists, composed in virtuosic mediums, and expressed passion through the piano.”

Liszt was a teacher to Albéniz, and although there are elements of similar writing style, Albéniz uniquely captures Spain, as Liszt did Hungary, in select works, noted Jones.

“And both did it through the eighty-eight keys of the piano. I can’t wait to share this incredible music!”  

Works being performed include “Sonata in C Major, No. 50, Hob. XVI,” by Franz Joseph Haydn; “Barcarolle, Op. 60,” by Frédéric Chopin; from the Suite Iberia, “Rondeña” by Isaac Albéniz; and “Sonata in B Minor” by Franz Liszt

Of special interest will be the 30-minute-long Liszt “Sonata.” Piano scholar Maurice Hinson wrote of the work:

 “In a single span, Liszt enclosed the musical regions that previous composers had confined to separate movements, unifying this massive structure by concentrating on a small number of characteristic themes which are constantly transformed…. Technical demands are heavy — brilliant finger technique, glittering octaves at fast speed, accurate articulation in the fugato, rich tone in the soaring melodies, superb chord playing.”  

“This is the work of a piano genius,” said Jones.

Jones said she is looking forward to visiting Chico for the first time. Her trip is being coordinatd by Chico State Music Department piano professor Natayla Shkoda; the two were colleagues when Shkoda taught at the University of Texas, El Paso.

“I hope that audience members feel satiated and completely satisfied with their listening experience,” said Jones. “This is some of the most passionate and wonderful piano repertoire written for the instrument.”

Information about the master classes Jones will be teaching is available by calling the Chico State Department of Music Office at 898-5152.

“Liszt and Albéniz — Passionate Piano” is being sponsored by and presented through CSU, Chico’s School of the Arts.

Seating is limited for the concert and buying tickets beforehand is highly recommended.

Advance tickets, at $15 adults, $13 seniors, and $6 students/children, are available at the University Box Office, 898-6333. Add $2 for tickets purchased at the door. For disability-related seating accommodations please call 898-4325.