Romance at Twilight

Music lovers are in for a treat at the University of Southern Queensland's (USQ) first concert in the 2008 West-Star Motors Twilight Series.

Acclaimed musician and USQ Lecturer in Piano, Dr Marilyn Meier-Kapavale will take to the stage to perform a program of romantic favourites by Liszt, Chopin and Saint Saens.

Marilyn will be joined by her talented student, Daniel Johnson to perform Camille Saint-Saens' Danse Macabre.

Originally from Mt Isa, Daniel started his tertiary studies in piano at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and is now completing the final year of his Bachelor of Music at USQ.

'Daniel is a natural talent and very ambitious.

'Saint Saens is a particular favourite with Daniel who will be playing the major portion of the rhythmic Danse Macabre.'

Audiences will remember Marilyn from her debut Toowoomba performance last year in the Arts Theatre.

The recital received rave reviews and prompted Marilyn to present an encore performance of Chopin's Fantasie-Impromptu and Lizst's Two Legends: St Francis of Assisi walking on the Waves and St Francis of Paul preaching to the birds.

'I received so many wonderful comments after last year's concert and requests for another performance; I couldn't resist the chance to be part of the Series again.'

'The pieces I have chosen for the program are my personal favourites; I love to perform them and know them very well.'

Marilyn is a highly decorated musician and has studied with Neta Maughan in Sydney, Ludwig Hoffman in Germany and Bela Siki in the USA and in master classes with Jorge Bolet, Sergei Dorensky and Kendall Taylor.

She has broadcast extensively on radio and television, performed with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, Seattle Youth and the Cincinnati Philharmonic, the ABC Symphony Orchestras and the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

She has also released three CDs Just Chopin, Liszt Legends and Country Gardens.

'I really enjoy teaching, but I also love to perform. I especially love romantic music and challenging pieces.'

The one-hour recital will be held on Wednesday 30 April at 6pm in the USQ Arts Theatre.

For further information on the 2008 West-Star Motors Twilight Series or to make bookings please call the USQ Artsworx Box Office on 4631 1111.

Media Contact: Connie-Louise Rego, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2977