We welcome the 19th anniversary of the Celebration of Great Composers. Fiesta de la Música: Sounds of the Spanish World.
The continuing series Celebration of Great Composers is more than a traditional concert. This year our lively event intends to celebrate the 150th birthday of Manuel de Falla, one of Spain’s most treasured composers, with an afternoon of music filled with passion, color, and Spanish spirit. This program features guest artist Alberto Barba, Spanish born pianist and faculty member at the Manhattan School of Music, alongside talented local young musicians, bringing generations together in a vibrant celebration of the Spanish world.
[b]March 1, 2026, 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.[/b]|Great Hall of Holloway Hall|With pianist Alberto Barga||ADMISSION IS FREE!|Suggested Donation is $5 at the Door - donations are contributed to the Salisbury University Performing Arts Fund|Salisbury University Online streaming fee $5
The Celebration of Great Composers has become a great SU tradition that gives local piano students from elementary to high school age the opportunity to perform on the Steinway concert piano at Salisbury University, Great Hall of Holloway Hall. Founded by music faculty member Luba Paskova in 2006, the series originated as a way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth. Through this event, students not only showcase their musical skills but also gain valuable insights into concert etiquette, audience interaction, and the art of live performance.
Over the years, the series has expanded to include guest composers from around the world, including Viktoriia Babaeva from Saint Petersburg, Russia, Jeffrey Chappell from Washington DC, Kat Souponetsky from Philadelphia, Maurizio Bignone from Sicily, Italy, Hugh Sung, South Korean descendant, and many others. These composer visits are highlights of the event, offering students and the audience a rare opportunity to meet and engage with the creative minds behind the music. For the young pianists, meeting a living composer is an inspiring experience that sparks further motivation and passion for their musical studies.
The annual event is open to the public and encourages a $5 donation at the door, making it an accessible and enriching experience for both the performers and the community. The Celebration of Great Composers continues to be an unforgettable occasion that nurtures the next generation of pianists and classical music enthusiasts, while contributing to the cultural life of Salisbury University.
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