Toledo native to play works of impressionist composers

February 12, 2009 | Events, UToday
By Angela Riddel



Towse-Beck

Towse-Beck

Toledo native Mary Towse-Beck will perform in concert as part of the Dorothy MacKenzie Price Piano Series Sunday, Feb. 15 at 3 p.m.

She also will give a master class Saturday, Feb. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon.

The free, public concert and master class will be held in the Center for Performing Arts Recital Hall on Main Campus.

Towse-Beck’s class and recital will focus on impressionist composers Claude Debussy, Toru Takemitsu, Joseph-Maurice Ravel, Manuel de Falla, Isaac Albeniz and Charles Tomlinson Griffes. Her recital will be a multimedia experience featuring a combination of live music and visual presentation about these composers.

She began serious study of piano at age 15 with Jerome Rose at Bowling Green State University. She continued her studies at Eastman School of Music and later obtained bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music in piano performance at Indiana University, where she also was an associate instructor of piano.

Towse-Beck studied under several renowned teachers in the United States and in London, where she moved in 1988 and established a teaching studio. She resided in England for nearly 20 years and taught and performed as both soloist and chamber player.

In 2007, the pianist who has played in the United States, Europe and Australia relocated with her husband and three children to Stratham, N.H. After her arrival back in the country, she became a member of the Aliento Chamber Players. The ensemble regularly performs throughout New England.

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