Southern Miss Professor to Present Piano Recital at Gulf Park Campus

The University of Southern Mississippi and the Gulf Coast community are invited to hear an eclectic arrangement of music pieces performed by pianist and Associate Professor Elizabeth Moak during a piano recital to be held on the University's Gulf Park campus in Long Beach.

Hosted by the College of Arts and Letters on the Gulf Park campus, Moak will perform a solo piano recital on Monday, April 18 at 7 p.m. in the Fleming Education Center Auditorium. The recital will feature a sonata by Beethoven, a suite by Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre (born in 1665), and a Brazilian piano suite by Oscar Lorenzo Fernândez. Moak will also honor the 70th birthday year of American composer Judith Lang Zaimont by performing seven of her preludes based on the months of the calendar.

“I myself like a variety of music,” said Moak. “Although I am considered a ‘classical pianist,' I think people will be pleasantly surprised by the diversity of pieces in my program.”

Noted for her sensitivity and generous imagination, Moak has performed throughout the United States and internationally. A dedicated and respected teacher, she has given masterclasses across the United States, as well as in Taiwan and China. As soloist, she has appeared on national television and radio. Her solo appearances with orchestra have included concertos by Mozart, Beethoven, Grieg, Ravel and Gershwin.

According to Dr. Deanne Stephens Nuwer, associate dean for the College of Arts and Letters at Gulf Park, Moak's performance will be the first piano concert performed by the School of Music on the University's Gulf Park campus in seven years. 

“It's a good idea between Hattiesburg and Gulf Coast to share talent,” she said. “I hope we and the Gulf Coast community enjoy the talent presented by Ms. Moak and appreciate the efforts put into it.”

When informed she would be the first in many years to give a recital, Moak said she felt honored and excited.

“Whether this concert is someone's first piano recital or one of many that they have attended, I hope that they will leave wanting to return for another,” said Moak.

For more information about the recital, contact the College of Arts and Letters on the Gulf Park campus at 228.214.3245. This event is free and open to the public. A light reception will follow.