Eastern Concert to Showcase Musical Talent

Eastern University’s 9th annual Music Gala will take place Friday, April 13 at Church of the Saviour in Wayne.

It is open to the public.

The event will feature the Eastern Piano Quartet, The University Choir and faculty and students from the university’s music department.

Proceeds from the performance (ticket fees range from $15 to $40) will go towards the music department’s purchase of a ‘Steinway D” 9-foot concert grand piano from pianist Edith Rieber.

You can attend a pre-concert reception at the church at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and premium seating at the concert for a ticket price of $75.

Dr. Ron Matthews, music department chair, said the gala is designed as a showcase of the department’s talent in addition to being a fundraising opportunity.

Also at the event, Eastern’s new pianist Erikson Rojas, a native of Cuba, will be introduced to the community.

Matthews said the music department – which was dropped by the school in 1970 – is now growing. The department will soon be moving into the property’s mansion Walton Hall and in the future will get its own recital hall on campus.

Also, in the fall Eastern is starting the Eastern University Preparatory School of Music, which will be centered around strings and piano in both private instruction and ensemble. Students will range from kindergarten-age through 12th grade and adults.