LSUS to host Piatigorsky harp and flute concert
09/29/05

Harpist Heidi Krutzen and flutist Lorna McGhee will re-envision the traditional flute and harp duo in a free public concert at 11 a.m. Friday (Oct. 7) in the Assembly Room on the third floor of the Noel Memorial Library on the LSUS campus.

In the concert presented by the Piatigorsky Foundation and sponsored by LSUS and the James Smith Noel Collection, the artists will explore the full expressive capabilities of their instruments, and have surprised audiences with a richness of sound, kaleidoscopic colors and dynamic range rarely heard from the flute and harp. Their fresh approach extends beyond interpretation to the commissioning of new works each year as part of a vibrant musical continuum.

For more than 15 years, The Piatigorsky Foundation’s commitment to artistic excellence and public outreach has fascinated many avid concert goers as well as curious first-timers. It is this combination of complimentary access, flamboyant performances and human warmth that makes Piatigorsky Foundation concerts so appealing to diverse audiences.

Last year, the Foundation presented two tours in North Louisiana consisting of 2l concerts that reached more than 3,480 people in Shreveport, Monroe, Bossier City and Rayville. Likewise, this year The Piatigorsky Foundation aims to reach hundreds of people across North Louisiana to increase awareness and appreciation of classical music in communities throughout the state.

Both Krutzen and McGhee are accomplished soloists and orchestral musicians in their own right. Krutzen is principal harpist with the Vancouver Opera, and has been guest principal harpist with numerous orchestras in western Canada. She has recorded with the Latvian National Symphony and is a member of the Turning Point Ensemble.

McGhee was formerly co-principal flutist of the BBC Symphony in England and currently teaches at the University of British Columbia. She has given concerto performances with the London Symphony, BBC Scottish Symphony, Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Oregon Bach Festival Orchestra.

As a duo, Krutzen and McGhee have made concerto appearances in the United States and Canada, and have played at many of the premiere chamber music festivals in North America. They were featured in a gala performance of Mozart’s Flute and Harp Concerto with the Nashville Chamber Orchestra at the 2004 National Flute Convention.

Their performances have been broadcast on Netherlands Radio, CBC and NPR radio stations. In June 2004, the duo released their first CD, “Taheke, 20th Century Masterpieces for Flute and Harp,” on the Skylark label. Since the duo’s formation in 2000, they have enjoyed collaborating with many distinguished string players, wind players, percussionists and choirs in the pursuit of interesting and unusual repertoire. Throughout the season they have a rich and diverse recital schedule, which involves commissioning and performing new works. In this way, they hope to raise the profile of flute and harp and expand the repertoire, presenting relevant and vital programs in concert and on disc.

Evan Drachman established The Piatigorsky Foundation in 1990 in honor of his grandfather Gregor Piatigorsky. Piatigorsky deeply believed in the healing and inspiration power of classical music. He once said, “Music makes life better. Music is a necessity. It is rich. It is imaginative. It is magnificent. And it is for everyone.” The Piatigorsky Foundation is committed to carrying on Piatigorsky’s mission by evoking cultural curiosity through educational and accessible live performances.