Mercyhurst University welcomes 2013 alumnus Omar Roy back for his piano recital on Monday, Feb. 15, in Walker Recital Hall.
Roy earned his undergraduate degree in music and continued his education at Kent State University, receiving a master’s degree in piano performance.
The D’Angelo Department of Music often has alumni come back to perform as soloists, according to Music Department chair and Assistant professor of piano, Nathan Hess, D.M.A.
“It’s a great performing experience for them. It inspires our current students and it makes the faculty proud to see how much they’ve grown,” Hess said.
Roy will play a selection of music including pieces such as “Prelude & Fugue in E flat minor” from Book I of “The Well-Tempered Clavier” by J.S. Bach; Sonata in D major, Op. 28, “Pastorale” by Ludwig van Beethoven; “Nach Bach” by George Rochberg; and “Ballade No. 2” in B minor by Franz Liszt.
Roy said that deciding on which selections to play was a simple decision.
“I was preparing all of these pieces for upcoming doctoral auditions, so it made sense for me to perform a recital as well,” he said.
In order to succeed at a doctoral audition, the music must be practiced to mastery. Roy said he was happy to be performing in front of his old professors, mentors and friends.
“I had a very positive experience while completing my undergraduate degree, and developed friendships with some of the faculty that are still very valuable to me,” Roy said.