ST. GEORGE – International pianist Robert Nakea will be performing at both Dixie State University and Southern Utah University next week.
Robert Nakea, a part native Hawaiian, started learning piano at age 6, and by age 15, he made his solo debut with the Honolulu Symphony.
He holds a master’s in piano performance from Brigham Young University and is a two-time laureate of the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition and first-prize winner in the Joseph Fisch International Piano Competition.
Nakea’s career has taken him on tour throughout the United States and Europe, performing in such venues as Norway’s Bergen International Music Festival, the Eisteddfod Festival in Wales and Opera Festival di Roma in Italy. Last summer, Nakea gave a concert in Wengen, Switzerland, as part of its guest artist summer series.
Dixie State University recital | Tuesday, Aug. 28 | 225 S. 700 East, St. George.
Nakea will be performing a special recital Tuesday at Dixie State University as a part of the university’s “All-Steinway” series. The performance will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the concert hall of the Dolores Doré Eccles Fine Arts Center on the Dixie State campus.
Admission is free and open to the public.
Nakea, who has performed in the Eccles Concert Hall several times, is known for his technique, love of music and teaching, beautiful tone and interpretations of Chopin’s music.
For this recital, Nakea will perform an all-Chopin program, which will include six mazurkas, the famous Ballade No. 1 in G Minor, Ballade No. 4 in F Minor, the Polonaise in A-flat Major, Op. 53 (“Heroic”) and the Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise Brillante.
“Robert Nakea is a sublime artist and he always performs with brilliance, artistry, and grace,” Dixie State professor of music Dr. Nancy Allred said. “This recital is not to be missed.”
Southern Utah University recitals | Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 29-30 | 351 W. University Blvd.
Nakea will take the stage at SUU on Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the Thorley Recital Hall at SUU’s music building on the SUU campus.
He will feature the music of Frédéric François Chopin, each night covering different pieces throughout Chopin’s career.
These concerts are free and open to the public.
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