Alumnus Caramia to perform works by under-represented composers at Rosch recital

Piano works by under-represented composers will be performed at a recital by SUNY Fredonia alumnus Tony Caramia at Rosch Recital Hall on Thursday, Oct. 19, 8 p.m.

The recital is free and open to the public.

Last spring, Mr. Caramia, professor of piano at the Eastman School of Music, introduced a course for senior piano performance majors called “Expanding the Repertoire of the Modern Pianist,” which explored how pianists can feature a more diverse array of composers:  women, African-American and other non-traditional choices.

“Piano Potpourri,” Caramia’s recital program at Rosch, is one example, as it showcases works by Mélanie Bonis, Germaine Tailleferre and William Grant Still and jazz compositions by Marian McPartland, Eliane Elias and Mary Lou Williams.

Caramia, who also coordinates the Class Piano Program and teaches applied piano and beginning jazz piano at Eastman, received Mus.B. in 1973 and M.A. in 1975, both in Music Performance, from SUNY Fredonia, and has taught at Eastman since 1990. He credits exposure to the remarkable musical insights, communication skills and world-class perspective of his former teacher, SUNY Distinguished Professor Claudette Sorel, for nurturing his own teaching career.

Caramia is no stranger to SUNY Fredonia music audiences, often returning to his alma mater to present concerts. His themed recitals offer lots of historical tidbits about the music and composers. Caramia Is a frequent national and international workshop presenter, lecturer, judge and clinician.