Sam Zhao is a fourth-year student pursuing a double major in Music and Biology. He has played the piano for seventeen years. For his Distinguished Major Recital, Sam is performing a set of preludes composed by Chopin as well as a trio for violin, cello, and piano composed by Mendelssohn.

At the University of Virginia, Sam has studied under Mary Kathleen Ernst and Mimi Tung. He has also enjoyed working with several members of the performance faculty while accompanying other students over the last four years. During his second and third years, Sam was active in First Year Players as a member of the pit orchestra. In addition to playing piano, Sam sings in three ensembles on grounds: Jubilate, the University Singers, and the Chamber Singers.

Outside of music, Sam’s other interests include reading, traveling, and crossword puzzles. His favorite authors include Ray Bradbury, John Irving, and C.S. Lewis. Sam is also passionately involved in the Residence Life Community, Class Council, and Baptist Collegiate Ministries. Next year, Sam plans to attend medical school, but intends to keep music an integral part of his lifestyle.

Lauren Lee is a third-year music and biochemistry major. She has studied the violin for twelve years, and is currently taking lessons with David Colwell, the concertmaster of the Charlottesville and University Symphony Orchestra.

Daniel Pinkham is a sixth year physics PhD candidate. He began cello lessons at age seven, and his study of cello through high school prompted him to obtain a music degree in college. Since performing in his own Distinguished Major Recital in April 2002, he has continued to play in a number of community orchestras and chamber ensembles in the Charlottesville area.

Program:

Frédéric Chopin - Selection from Preludes, Op. 28

Prelude 1, C major, Agitato

Prelude 2, A minor, Lento

Prelude 3, G major, Vivace

Prelude 4, E minor, Largo

Prelude 5, D major, Allegro molto

Prelude 8, F-sharp minor, Molto agitato

Prelude 10, C-sharp minor, Allegro molto

Prelude 11, B major, Vivace

Prelude 14, E-flat minor, Allegro

Prelude 16, B-flat minor, Presto con fuoco

Prelude 17, A-flat major, Allegretto

Prelude 18, F minor, Allegro molto

Prelude 19, E-flat major, Vivace

Prelude 24, D minor, Allegro appassionato

Intermission

Felix Mendelssohn - Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 49

I. Molto allegro agitato

II. Andante con moto tranquillo

III. Scherzo: Leggiero e vivaco

IV. Finale: Allegro assai appasionato

This recital is supported by the Charles S. Roberts Scholarship Fund. Established in 2004 by the generosity of Mr. Alan Y. Roberts ('64) and Mrs. Sally G. Roberts, the Charles S. Roberts Scholarship Fund underwrites the private lessons and recital costs for undergraduate music majors giving a recital in their fourth year as part of a distinguished major program in music. The recital is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Marcy Day at (434) 924-6492 or mday@virginia.edu
For tickets, please call the Cabell Hall Box Office at (434) 924-3984.