In their last performance of the fall semester on Nov. 16, the West Virginia University Symphony will be joined by faculty member Ching-Wen Hsaio for her concerto debut with the ensemble. 

“We are thrilled to have Ching-Wen Hsaio join us for her concerto debut with WVUSO,” said Mitchell Arnold, WVU’s director of orchestral activities.  “To have Dr. Hsiao, with her talent and artistry, performing such a great concerto in collaboration with our fine orchestra is a treat for the audience.”

Hsiao will join WVUSO for Piano Concerto No. 2 by Sergei Rachmaninoff. Parts of the composition, written around 1900, have inspired new, popular works. One of the tunes in the finale of the piece was given lyrics and became “Full Moon and Empty Arms,” recorded by Frank Sinatra. The piece was then covered by Sarah Vaughn and Bob Dylan. Jazz instrumental covers include those by Errol Garner and Freddie Hubbard.   

Hsiao serves as assistant professor of piano in WVU’s School of Music. She holds her Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, and Doctorate of Musical Arts degrees in Piano Performance from The Juilliard School, under the tutelage of Yoheved Kaplinsky and Jerome Lowenthal. Upon graduation, she received the “Outstanding Pianist” award.

The program also includes Pavane by Gabriel Fauré and Symphony in Three Movements of Igor Stravinsky, based, according to the composer, on his impressions of the devastation of World War II. 

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at WVU’s Creative Arts Center.  As with all concerts from WVU’s premiere ensembles, WVU students receive free admission with their student IDs. For tickets, contact the WVU Box Office at 304-293-SHOW or visit Ticketmaster.com.