Thursday, March 27, 12:05-1:00 PM

Stephanie Wendt, piano

Frederic Chopin -- Nocturne in C minor Op. 48, No. 1

David Evan Thomas -- Night Echoes

David Evan Thomas -- The Willow Creek Waltz
    with David Evan Thomas, piano

Andrew Duren & John Cummins, saxophones

Robert Muczynski -- Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano
    John Cummins, saxophone & Andrew Duren, piano

Daniel Lazarus -- Sonate
    Andrew Duren, saxophone

ARTIST BIOS:

Stephanie Wendt is a pianist, writer and broadcaster.   She has performed as soloist and chamber musician on five continents in venues ranging from Avery Fisher Hall in New York to maximum-security prison. With a repertoire ranging from works of J. S. Bach to present-day compositions, she is passionate about bringing classical music to both enthusiasts and newcomers to the art.  Wendt holds a bachelor’s degree in piano performance from The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia; a master’s in piano and organ performance from Indiana University; and a doctorate from the University of Minnesota. She has won many awards, including a McKnight Artist Fellowship for Performing Musicians.
 
Stephanie Wendt served on the faculties of the University of Minnesota, Bethel University and the University of Indianapolis. She is also active as a national broadcaster. For her three-part docudrama about Clara Schumann, Wendt won the prestigious Gracie Allen Award for "Best Radio Portrait" from American Women in Radio and Television. She currently serves as an announcer and programmer for the Classical Public Radio Network, heard around the United States.  Previously she worked with MPR and WCAL.
 
Wendt wrote and performs a one-woman play, “Clara’s Visitor” about the life and music of Clara Schumann.  Wendt has presented it to enthusiastic audiences in Australia, the United States, England, Sweden and Iceland.  Her articles, interviews and reviews have appeared in publications around the United States.  She was the on-stage host for ten Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra family and schools concerts earlier this year.
 
New-Zealand-born, Stephanie Wendt began her piano studies in Australia at the age of five. Her teachers included Jorge Bolet, Gary Graffman, Lydia Artymiw, Joan Torno, and Clemens Leske.  In addition to her performing and broadcasting, she teaches piano privately to students from age 11 to 67.  She is married to Brent Johnson.