U. to spotlight Spanish music

They've got tangos. They've got romance. They've got the 11-piano faculty of the University of Utah playing "VIVA!" — a celebration of Spanish and South American music.

A benefit concert to raise funds for pianists in the department "is the faculty's way of helping students to be able to attend college," said Susan Duehlmeier, piano area chairwoman at the U. "Last year, we did all Russian, this year we're doing all Spanish music, or South American music."

Duehlmeier said the program will include a variety of music — some solo and some collaborative. "There will be maybe just one or two sentences to describe the piece or the composer, so it will be an educational concert as well."

The concert will last an hour, followed by a reception catered by Le BonBon. The food, Duehlmeier said, will be South American, Mexican or Spanish as part of the cultural celebration. "It's going to be fun and exciting," Duehlmeier said.

Piano works of Granados, Turina, Ginastera and Piazola will be on the program. "Heather Conner's going to be playing the Ginastera — the fourth movement of the sonata, which is just wild and crazy.

"So we've got some really wild and fun pieces and some beautiful pieces and some dances that are just sort of the flavor of the Spanish culture."

If you go

What: "VIVA!" University of Utah piano faculty

Where: Gardner Hall, University of Utah

When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

How much: $7.50

Phone: 581-7100

Web: www.kingsburyhall.com

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E-mail: rcline@desnews.com