NWC News Desk

Classical duo performs in Powell Monday, Sept. 9

Posted August 30, 2013
By NWC News Desk

POWELL, Wyo. -   Violinist Qing Li and pianist Richard Dowling bring their internationally acclaimed talents to the Big Horn Basin to perform Monday, Sept. 9, at Northwest College in Powell.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in NWC’s Nelson Auditorium. Admission is free.

The classical duo will present a one-hour intimate recital, complete with comprehensive commentaries to give audience members a better understanding of the musical selections and composers.

Li is a sought-after chamber musician, having collaborated with such luminaries as Pinchas Zukerman and Leon Fleischer. Admired as one of the country’s most accomplished orchestral players, she was appointed principal second violin with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in 2001.

Born in Beijing, China, Li began studying violin at age 4, and by age 12 won acceptance to the Central Conservatory. She was discovered at a master class by Berl Senofsky, who brought her to the Peabody Conservatory with a fellowship scholarship.

Li has won numerous international competitions and awards. She has been a recitalist and chamber musician in halls throughout the great cities of America, South America, Europe and Asia. Radio and television broadcasts of her work as soloist and chamber musician have been aired on National Public Radio’s Baltimore affiliate station WYPR and were featured on the Voice of America.

Dowling also appears regularly across the United States in solo recitals and concerts with orchestras. Career highlights include a sold-out New York orchestral debut at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall and a solo recital at Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall in New York.

In addition to his domestic achievements, he’s also performed in the Far East, Australia, Africa and Europe.

Dowling has released numerous CDs on the Klavier Records label, starting in 2001 with his “Sweet and Low-Down,” a collection of all the solo piano works by George Gershwin. His recordings cover a range of repertoire that stretches from Chopin to pop songs. His most recent, “Music of Old New York,” features songs and piano rags inspired by the Big Apple at the turn of the century.

Dowling received his musical training at Yale University and the University of Texas.

Li and Dowling’s performance in Powell kicks off a 16-stop tour of Wyoming. Sponsored by the Piatigorsky Foundation, the tour is underwritten by the Muriel and Seymour Thickman Family Charitable Trust, with facilitation assistance provided by the Wyoming Arts Council.

The Piatigorsky Foundation is committed to carrying on Gregor Piatigorsky’s mission by evoking cultural curiosity through educational and accessible live performances.

Local sponsorship is provided by the Northwest College Music Department.