Pianist Petronel Malan at the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall: November 3

Critically acclaimed pianist Petronel Malan will perform the music of J.S. Bach, Joseph Haydn, Franz Liszt, and Sergei Rachmaninoff, among other classical composers, on Thursday, November 3, at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall.

Born in South Africa, Malan began playing piano at age four and debuted with the Johannesburg Symphony at age 10. After winning all major national competitions in her native country, she moved to the United States and earned degrees from Michigan State University and the University of North Texas.

Lauded by reviewers as an unmistakably creative force in the classical music industry, Malan’s critical acclaim culminated in her nomination for three Grammy Awards, including “Best Instrumental Solo Album 2004” for her debut disc, Transfigured Bach: Bach Transcriptions of Bartok, Lipatti, and Friedman.

Malan has performed in venues ranging from the Mozarteum in Salzburg to Carnegie Recital Hall in New York City. Although she currently resides in Texas, Malan has strong ties to South Africa, and she received the “Rapport/City Press Prestige Award,” as one of the “10 Most Influential Women in South Africa.”

Malan’s performance marks the fifth annual Lois Rowland Klein Piano Recital. Klein, who passed away last summer, attended Buffalo State in the 1940s to become an educator, and she wanted to give back to help future generation of music teachers. The annual Lois Rowland Klein Piano Recital was founded in 2007. Each visiting artist performs a recital and works one-on-one with Buffalo State piano students.  

“Though we are deeply saddened by the loss of Mrs. Klein, her generosity of spirit will continue to influence our students into the future,” noted Emily W. Boyce, associate professor of music.

Admission to Malan’s performance is free for Buffalo State students, faculty, and staff. Tickets for the general public cost $10. Order tickets online, or call (716) 878-3005.