Praised as “one of the most outstanding talents coming up today,” American pianist Katie Mahan will perform as a guest artist at Jacksonville University’s Terry Concert Hall on March 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Mahan has captured the attention of audiences throughout the world for her innovative musical personality, poetic interpretations, and graceful stage presence. Since making her orchestral debut performing Gershwin’s Concerto in F with the Breckenridge Symphony, Mahan has appeared in concert throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, the Middle East, Russia and Japan. She’s performed with such celebrated conductors as Jiri Belohlavek and Marin Alsop. In a yearlong collaboration with Colorado Public Radio, she is recording the complete sonatas and fantasies of Mozart in Salzburg.
Mahan shares a unique connection to Jacksonville University through Kimberly Beasley, Associate Professor of Voice. Growing up in Lakewood, Colorado, Beasley began taking piano lessons from Katie’s mother, Bobette Mahan, a piano performance graduate from the University of Colorado.
“At age 12, I started walking next door for my lessons with Bobette. Katie was little, and she would stay out of the way during lessons,” said Beasley. “But as she got older and was in school, she would play with my younger siblings. Katie was always beautiful, well-mannered, all the things.”
Beasley recently began following Mahan’s career on social media, a tool she says Mahan has used to widen the impact of her music. After exchanging a series of messages, the two made plans for Katie to perform at Jacksonville University.
“Katie has embraced the internet and social media as a platform for her performing and classical music. That classical music is accessible on a large and broad scale is important for its longevity. I appreciate Katie's commitment to the art.”
Beasley added that Mahan’s upcoming visit will give students the unique opportunity to learn more about the professional world of classical performance. “We are so excited. She will be very good for the students to see and talk with as very real-world experience right in their classroom and in the concert hall.”
The event is free to the public. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. For information on upcoming events in the Jacksonville University’s Creative Arts Series, visit www.ju.edu/cfa/events.php
