Many of us as youngsters were whisked around in the minivan to soccer practices, gymnastics and piano lessons. As the years went on, we started figuring out what we liked and what we did not and minimized our extracurricular activities to a select few. Many of us got bored of “”Chopsticks”” and found our fingers too fidgety, so the piano lessons were one of the first to go. Some, however, went with it.
UApresents is bringing Horacio GutiǸrrez, a world-renowned pianist, who has been playing since his childhood.
“”I started my training at Juilliard, but before that I was playing since, well, 2,”” GutiǸrrez said.
The musician was born in Cuba and began playing in Havana. His family moved to the United States when he was still young, eventually settling in Los Angeles, where GutiǸrrez said he continued to play. Right out of high school, he started at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York, after which his career quickly took off.
“”I’ve played pretty much everywhere,”” GutiǸrrez said. “”Except Australia.””
For his Arizona performance, which GutiǸrrez described as a very demanding program, he will be playing pieces from various composers from different genres of music.
“”I start with the most modern, and then I go into a Romantic piece, then another modern and finish with the Romantic,”” GutiǸrrez said.
Although there is a sequence to the program, GutiǸrrez did not have that in mind when planning the program out.
“”There are so many ways to make a program. Some artists like to have a message or thematic to a program. Sometimes I like to do that. There are links in this program,”” GutiǸrrez said. “”But these are more subtle associations.””
More than picking up the similarities or cues of how one composer’s piece is connected to the next, GutiǸrrez hopes that his audience will simply appreciate the composer’s work for what it is.
“”It is mind-boggling and humbling to be in the presence of how brilliant these composers are,”” GutiǸrrez said. “”Some pieces were written 200 years ago and nevertheless they still speak to us today.””
GutiǸrrez showed extra excitement towards the 24 preludes by Frederic Chopin that will be included in the show.
“”It’s a test of pianism, artistry … everything,”” GutiǸrrez said.
GutiǸrrez said that his standout performances have been when he has achieved both personal and career goals, such as debuting in Paris or London. However, he still feels honored to be asked to come to Tucson.
“”I’m very happy to be here,”” GutiǸrrez said. “”Very glad.””
Horacio GutiǸrrez will perform Saturday at 8 p.m. in Crowder Hall, located in the Music building. General ticket prices range from $10 to $50 for students and faculty. Senior and military discounts are also available.
