250 Years of Keyboard Music 

Written by Women Composers

Brianna Conrey, piano

Program

Élisabeth Claude Jacquet de La Guerre (1665-1729): Chaconne l’Inconstante, from Suite in D Minor (1687)

Marianna Martines (1744-1812): Sonata in G Major, II. Andante e cantabile

Maria Hester Park (1760-1813): Sonata in E-flat Major, I. Allegro spirito

Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel (1805-1847): Juni: Serenade, from Das Jahr (original version)

Chiquinha Gonzaga (1847-1935): Atraente

Amy Beach (1864-1944): Sketches, Op. 15, No. 3: Dreaming

Florence Price (1887-1953): Fantasie Nègre No. 1 in E Minor

The Artist

An audience favorite and quarter-finalist at the 2016 Cliburn International Amateur Piano Competition, Brianna Conrey is known for her elegantly expressive interpretations of familiar standards as well as for “pushing the repertoire envelope,” resulting in “standout performances” (Theater Jones). Critics have praised her “glittering scales,” “sparkling voicing,” and “well-shaped, clarified vision.” Her teachers include Betty Mallard (The University of Texas at Austin), Matthew Gianforte (Indiana University/Murray State University), Heather Lanners (Oklahoma State University), and the late Jency Dennis Ross. Equally at home with words as she is with music, Brianna’s “magical,” “heartwarming” stories balance poignant observation with the “joyfully humorous.” Her writing focuses on modern womanhood, creativity, and family life, and has been featured in P.S. I Love You, Forge, and Human Parts. Today’s program includes highlights from Brianna’s "Piano: An All-Woman Show,” a wide-ranging celebration of women composers spanning nearly 250 years of music written for solo keyboard instruments. More information is available at briannaconrey.com.