Dr. JAMES COOK
(308) 865-8611
Pianist Ewa Skardowska of the F. Chopin National Academy of Music in Warsaw, Poland, and Dr. James Cook, Department of Music and Performing Arts professor, will conduct the second annual Nebraska High School Pianists Workshop Saturday, Feb. 17, in the University of Nebraska at Kearney Fine Arts Recital Hall.
Described as “one of Poland’s most accomplished pianists,” Skardowska currently serves as professional pianist-collaborator with faculty vocalists and string players, as well as the chamber music coach at the F. Chopin National Academy of Music. She has performed at prestigious music festivals in Poland and France, where she performed with such renowned artists at Davit Pituch, U.S.; Jean Pennigs, Holland; Claude Delangle, France; and cellist Tomasz Strahl, Poland.
Skardowska has distinguished herself in Poland as a prize winner of several competitions. As an artistic collaborator, she has participated in national and international competitions, receiving numerous awards as best pianist-collaborator. Her recordings include archival works by Ravel, Szymanowski and Prokofiev with the National Radio Orchestra in Warsaw. Her scholarly interests include criticism and articles on piano pedagogy, methodology and chamber music published in Polish music periodicals.
On Monday, Feb. 9, Skardowska will accompany Dr. Rodney Miller, dean of the UNK College of Fine Arts and Humanities, for Dean Miller’s 7:30 p.m. vocal recital in the Fine Arts Recital Hall. The UNK Faculty Senate Artists and Lecturers Committee has sponsored the travel grant for Skardowska’s workshop and voice/piano recital with Dean Miller.
The high school pianist participants in the Saturday piano workshop are:
Cairo– Ashley McDonald, Maryle Reimers
Grand Island– Katie Brozek, Kaity Flynn, Jessica Kehm, Lindsey Price, Robin Seim, Betsey Stehlik, Rachel Wagnitz
Kearney– Rebekah Goodbrake, Emily Hoehn, Katy Sokolowski, Tana Vyulecka
McCook– Shanna Canell, Amanda McCarty, Nathan McCarty
North Platte– Rachel Anderson
UNK music students participating in the workshop are: Matt Nicholson, Chisato Nii, Shinta Takehana, Yuko Kogata.
