MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile presents the ASOTA Piano Festival Chamber Music Concert “Eclectic Music” on April 18 at 7 p.m. The free concert will be held in Moorer Auditorium, Thomas T. Martin Hall, on the university campus.
The program will feature classical, romantic and contemporary repertoire by the classical masters, and features original works by University of Mobile student composers Benjamin Naman and Luke Graham.
Naman is a freshman Piano Performance major. He is working to enhance his passion for composing music under the guidance of Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva. When he graduates, Naman wishes to compose soundtracks for film and television. He will perform his original piece, “A Day at Steventon for Two Violins.”
Similarly, Luke Graham is also a freshman Piano Performance major. Graham is from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and is a part of the piano ensemble, Elite 88. His favorite composers are Chopin and Debussy, and he enjoys improvising jazz. His composed work is titled, “Treading on Clouds.”
Steinway Artist Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva, director of piano studies and UM professor of music, says, “We are giving our ASOTA piano students a very different and challenging opportunity of performing with other instruments. They are able to experience the joy of performing and collaborating with others. This is helping our students prepare and succeed on the professional level for a chamber music performance.”
Performing artists are:
Vocalists: Savannah Brannen, Abigail Anderson, Cory Anderson
Piano: Luke Graham, Alison Strunk, Gaukhar Kenessova, Rebecca Reed, Christopher Conger, Luke Killam, Tiffany Aikens
Composers: Benjamin Naman and Luke Graham
Violin: Nina Carpenter, Alison Strunk, Christopher Conger
Trombone: Andrew Sandlin
Trumpet: Hanna Kinsley Alexander
Clarinet: Jack Mims
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university offering on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
Anna Wiggins is a junior at the University of Mobile pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in both Theology and Communication. She is serving as an intern with UM’s Office for Marketing & Public Relations to broaden her skills in the public relations field. She is a member of the school’s ministry team and serves on UM’s FCA leadership team. Anna first fell in love with the University of Mobile after a tour in the Spring of 2020. Ever since then, the Lord has provided exceedingly and has confirmed that this university is exactly where she is supposed to be. Anna’s time at the university has strengthened her faith, provided her with lifelong friendships, and given her the opportunity to be mentored by intentional and wise professors.