Internationally-renowned pianist Brian Ganz [above] played works by Mozart, Debussy and Chopin on the new Bösendorfer concert grand piano at the College of Southern Maryland, in the debut concert of the Ward Virts Concert Series on Oct. 23.Concert-goers enjoyed a two-hour program followed by a reception to inaugurate the concert series.
The Ward Virts Piano Project, which purchased the piano and gifted the instrument to CSM, was inspired by the life and artistry of Ward Virts, a talented concert-trained pianist from Southern Maryland. They dedicated the piano to CSM Prince Frederick Campus in Ward’s memory.
The CSM Foundation is raising funds to establish an endowment that will ensure the series’ continuity and will help fund new programming for the arts at the campus. “With the Bösendorfer grand piano as the centerpiece in the customized space at Prince Frederick campus, WVPP and CSM hope to create and nurture opportunities for a full-fledged fine arts program benefiting both an expanding student population and a dynamic community,” said Donna Wayson, WVPP Chair.
The next concert in the series will be held Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m., with a program by the CSM Chamber Singers. All concerts are free; however, due to a limited number of seats available, reservations are suggested. For information, call 443-550-6079 for Calvert County; 301-870-2309, Ext. 6079 for Charles County; and 240-725-6199 for St. Mary’s County, or visit www.csmd.edu/
