UW News

November 30, 2006

Pianist to perform as part of East-West series

Soloist and chamber musician Susan Chan, a member of the piano faculty at Portland State University, will present the first concert in the new East-West Piano Arts Series on Saturday, Dec. 2. Her program includes works by contemporary Asian women composers and music from the traditional Western repertoire.


“We are delighted to have Susan Chan perform at the inaugural concert of East-West Piano Arts,” said Regina Yeh, the UW School of Music faculty pianist who conceived and implemented the new series. “The East-West Piano Arts series aims to bridge the diverse cultures in our community through the universal language of music, transcending everyday boundaries and enabling us to connect deeply by recognizing our common ground, as well as celebrating our differences.”


Chan is an active performer, promoting music from Asia and music written by women composers, as well as traditional repertoire. She is associate professor of music and piano area coordinator at Portland State University, where she teaches pedagogy, studio piano, class piano and keyboard literature. Chan has conducted master classes and performed in universities and music festivals in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia. Her CD discography includes East West Encounter, featuring music by Western and contemporary Chinese composers.


The concert will be at 2 p.m. in Brechemin Auditorium in the Music Building. Tickets are $10 and are available at the door.


Chan will also present a master class at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3, in Brechemin Auditorium. It is free and open to the public for observation.