OU Music Department will present internationally acclaimed pianist Leon Bates on Wednesday and Thursday, October 23 and 24.
Bates will offer a master class at the campus' Peters Hall (music building) on Wednesday, October 23, 1:00 p.m., and a recital on Thursday, October 24, 8:00 p.m., at the Oakwood University Church.
According to department chairman Dr. Wayne Bucknor, "Bates has performed on five continents and in virtually every state in the United States. Often, he is seen performing with orchestras, and has soloed with the Alabama Symphony as well as Philadelphia, New York, Boston and many other symphonies.
"His program at Oakwood will include works by Beethoven, Ravel, R. Nathaniel Dett and George Walker, the latter being the first African-American Pulitzer Prize winner."
According to Wikipedia, "Leon Bates likes to spend some of his time in an endeavor quite unusual for a concert pianist: he was an avid body builder. He used a gym for two hours at a time as much as six days a week despite his rigorous and demanding performance schedule. He has performed with numerous orchestras and symphonies.
"Bates is considered something of a renaissance man, and enjoys a wide variety of performance arts including dance, theater and music. He also enjoys watching and following sports programs.
Posted By: Reginald Culpepper
Friday, October 11th 2013 at 3:01PM
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