Annual All-Steinway Concert on Dec. 3 Showcases University of Mobile Piano Students

MOBILE, Ala. - As an All-Steinway School, the University of Mobile provides its talented students the opportunity to learn and perform on pianos widely considered to be among the best in the world. Those talents will be on display Tuesday, Dec. 3, when UM's Alabama School of the Arts presents its annual All-Steinway School Celebration Concert.

Undergraduate and graduate students will perform original compositions along with works by Claude Debussy, Thelonious Monk, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Franz Liszt and more.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. at Moorer Auditorium in Thomas T. Martin Hall on campus. Tickets are $11 at the door or in advance at umobile.edu/pianofestival. Admission is free for University of Mobile students.

Excellence in Music Education

"Our All-Steinway Concert is a tribute to our talented students and a heartfelt thank you to the donors whose generosity has enabled the University of Mobile to achieve the prestigious All-Steinway School designation," said Steinway Artist Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva, director of piano studies and professor of music. "Their support enriches our students' educational experiences and upholds our commitment to excellence in music education."

The University of Mobile earned the All-Steinway designation in 2016 after the "All Steinway, All Together" campaign raised funds to update the university's inventory of pianos.

Embracing the Challenge

The All-Steinway School designation was a factor in Alison Strunk's decision to enroll in the Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile. The senior is double majoring in Piano Performance and English.

"Being an All-Steinway School means that the student body is blessed with the most brilliant, captivating and receptive instruments. This factor alone drew my intrigue because it meant that the university desired to give its students the best chance possible for nurturing their art," Strunk said.

She hopes the audience will take this message away from the upcoming concert: Never stop achieving your dreams.

"Passion takes discipline for turning a dream into reality," Strunk said. "The young artists on stage representing the University of Mobile for the All-Steinway School Celebration Concert have fully embraced the challenge of dedication, discipline and dream achieving. I hope our impact will influence others to do the same."

Zarina Akeyeva, an international graduate student from Kazakhstan, said she is learning not only how to improve her piano skills, but also how to master performing on stage.

"My favorite composer, Sergei Rachmaninoff said, 'Music should come from the heart and reach other's heart…' I think it is the main idea of music, to give feelings to listeners. Music should touch people's souls and immerse listeners in an absolutely beautiful world," Akeyeva said. "I am happy to be a part of this amazing musical world and bring joy to my listeners!"

Featured Composers

Students performing their original compositions, hometowns, year, major and title of piece are:

Marabella Wilmoth of Theodore, AL, freshman, Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, original composition titled "Eudaemonia."

Benjamin Naman of Mobile, AL, junior, Bachelor of Arts in Composition, original composition titled "karul eid almilad - Carrol of Christmas."

Trenton McGuff of Mobile, AL, sophomore, Bachelor of Arts in Composition, original composition titled "Cycle de la Maree."

Logan Lipke of Orange Beach, AL, senior, Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition with Studio Production minor, original composition titled "Rend the Kingdom."

Featured Pianists

Anna Elliot of Gadsden, AL, freshman, Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, "Ballade No. 1" by Claude Debussy.

Christopher Conger of Daphne, AL, junior, Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, "El Puerto" by Isaac Albeniz.

Luke Graham of Ocean Springs, MS, junior, Business Management major with Piano minor, "Ask me now" by Thelonious Monk, arrangement by Jullian Pollack.

Marc Marquis of Mobile, AL, senior, Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, "Etude-Tableau Op.36 No.5 in Eb minor" by Sergei Rachmaninoff.

Alison Strunk of Panama City, FL, senior, English major with Piano Performance minor, "Paganini Etude No. 6 in A Minor" by Franz Liszt.

Eli Whitehead of Seminary, MS, Master of Music in Piano Performance, "Tres Piezas, No. 3 Criola" by Alberto Ginastera.

Rebecca M. Reed of Chickasaw, AL, Master of Music in Piano Performance, "Soiree dans Grenade, No. 2 of Estampes" by Claude Debussy.

Nicholas Lewis of Troy, AL, Master of Music in Piano Performance, "Two Poemes, Op. 32, No. 1 and 2" by Alexander Scriabin.

Zarina Akayeva of Astana, Kazakhstan, Master of Music in Piano Performance, "Momentes Musicaux Op. 16, No. IV Presto" by Sergei Rachmaninoff.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of "Higher Education for a Higher Purpose," founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu/um-info, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

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