Piorkowski giving Kasling Lecture Tuesday
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The Kasling Memorial Lecture is named for Robert W. Kasling, a Professor of Geography at SUNY Fredonia from 1946 to 1966 who earned a reputation for his inspirational levels of personal integrity and academic scholarship. In honor of his contributions to the university, SUNY Fredonia established a lecture series in 1973 that annually allows one distinguished faculty member to discuss his or her research and creative activities. |
James Piorkowski (School of Music) has been selected by distinguished faculty to deliver this year's Kasling Lecture on Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 2 p.m. in Rosch Recital Hall. Entitled, "Welcome to my Attic," his lecture/demonstration will delight the campus community with an inside look at his work and art, which has been internationally acclaimed for decades.
Head of the Fredonia School of Music guitar program since 1983,he is also a noted composer who has written many pieces for guitar, both in solo and in chamber settings, including a large work, "The Greatest of These," for mixed choir and guitar.
The piece was selected for the gala opening concert of the Guitar Foundation of America's annual classical guitar convention at Columbus State University in Columbus, Ga., Oct. 10. Performing it will be Piorkowski and the Fredonia Chamber Singers, a premiere ensemble directed by Dr. Donald P. Lang.
Piorkowski’s most recent recording, Sentient Music, features 17 original solo guitar compositions, including his increasingly popular “Sentient Preludes.”
"Welcome to My Attic" will include performances by two of his colleagues from the School of Music: Daniel Ihasz (voice) and Dr. Susan Royal (flute). A reception will follow. All are invited.
“Basically, the title refers to the collected musical influences in my life, stored up in my musical mind.” Mr. Piorkowski said. “I plan to share examples from other composers to show how their work has inspired me and my work.”
“Welcome to my Attic” will include samples from outside of the traditional music canon, including the work of South American composer Egberto Gismonti, folk tunes from Bulgaria, jazz and blues.
It will double as both Mr. Piorkowski’s Kasling Memorial Lecture and his presentation as a recipient of the 2006 President’s Award for Excellence, a rare dual honor at SUNY Fredonia.
"I was surprised to get one honor, and then the second took my breath away. I am grateful that the committees looked upon me favorably," he said.
