Learning from a musical expert
Ludmila Knezkova-Hussey, a world-renowned concert pianist and composer, is bringing her music to the University of New Brunswick Saint John.
A new course, taught by the pianist, Humanities 2501 – Music of the Romantic Era begins in January 2010
“The course is a survey of musical development in 19th Century Europe focusing on the major composers of the era such as Chopin, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Wagner and Liszt,” says Knezkova-Hussey.
Idea reaches high note
David Flagel, a UNB Saint John philosophy professor thought the course would be a great opportunity for students and others to be taught by someone of Knezkova-Hussey’s calibre. They'd also get to hear her play many of the pieces discussed.
During the fall session of the course Dr. Flagel saw first-hand how Knezkova struck a chord with students.
“When I saw the students eyes light up when she first began to play I realized that this was an experience everyone should share.
“I love this area,” says Knezkova-Hussey. “There are so many cultural opportunities with the Imperial Theatre, Opera New Brunswick and the Symphony.
“Music is connected to everything. Literature, visual arts and even medicine,” says Knezkova-Hussey.
Born to play
Born into a family of talented musicians, artists and writers, Knezkova-Hussey earned the attention of the musical world from a very young age and has worked with many notable composers of the 20th Century.
Knezkova-Hussey’s career as orchestral soloist and recitalist has taken her around the globe. In addition to many performances with chamber groups, Knezkova-Hussey has appeared as guest artist with numerous distinguished symphony orchestras including L’Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal as well as a renowned teacher. Some of Knezkova-Hussey’s students have won international piano competitions.
“My own education in music has enveloped me in the worlds of so many musicians and composers of all periods, countries and cultures,” she says. “I want to share these experiences with my students."
In 1993, she established the Ludmila Knezkova-Hussey International Piano Competition in Bathurst. Finalists of the competition have the rare opportunity of performing with a symphony orchestra, among them the world famous Montreal Symphony Orchestra (OSM), the WKO Symphony Orchestra from Vienna, Austria and “L’Orchestre de la Garde républicaine”, from Paris, France.
Numerous prestigious accolades and awards have been bestowed upon Knezkova-Hussey, including an Honorary Doctorate from UNB, Ambassador of New Brunswick by Premier Shawn Graham. She has also been named to the Order of New Brunswick.
Music for everyone
Humanities 2501 – Music of the Romantic Era lectures will begin on Saturday, January 9th from 1:00 to 3:30 in the Hazen Hall Lecture Theatre and will be accompanied by piano demonstrations from Knezkova-Hussey.
Music lovers, art lovers and members of the public of any skill level are welcome to take the course for credit or audit. Current students should register to attend the class while members of the public should call 1-877-753-6763. There is no prerequisite for this course, other than the ability to enjoy it.
