Internationally renowned pianist Christopher Guzman, DMA, takes a seat after concluding his final piece, Sept. 26.
Delicate notes echoed off the walls of the Frances M. Maguire Art Museum as the glossy reddish-brown wood of the grand Steinway piano reflected hands so quick, it appeared as though his hands touched every key.
As a part of the department of Music, Theatre & Film’s Music in the Great Hall concert series, Christopher Guzman, DMA, professor of piano at Northwestern University, played pieces such as “English Suite No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 808” and “Bagatelles, Op. 6” Sept. 26.
The series, hosted in the Great Hall of the Maguire Art Museum, contains six to seven concerts each academic year and features local, national and international artists. This concert was the first in this year’s series.
The department of music, theatre & film sought to make viewing world-class artists accessible to students, said Elizabeth Morgan, Ph.D., DMA, associate professor and chair of music, theatre and film.
“The idea was to have, right here on campus, this world-class chamber music series with recitals and wonderful visiting artists and bring it right here so the students can come,” Morgan said.
These performances are intimate, Morgan said. Guzman’s performance allowed students to connect with an accomplished pianist.
“It’s a chance to hear an artist of his caliber without paying and without going downtown,” Morgan said. “When you sit in that hall, it’s a little bit like being in a 19th-century salon, where you’re just feet away from the artist, and then maybe you have a conversation with them afterwards.”
Cecilia Nguyen ’26, a pianist, was excited about the series, as she had not had the chance to attend a recital in a long time.
“I genuinely just really enjoyed watching him get into the music and play his pieces,” Nguyen said.
Nguyen felt connected to Guzman’s performance.
“I’m also a very expressive piano player, as previous instructors have told me, so seeing what another expressive piano player looks like, [was] really interesting from an audience perspective,” Nguyen said.
Guzman, an internationally recognized and award-winning pianist, has performed around the world with chambers and orchestras. Guzman started playing piano at age nine and has stuck with it ever since.
“I love it,” Guzman said. “I love the music. There’s always more to discover every year, even now.”
Guzman selected his pieces, paying attention to balance and what he enjoyed. Noting his performance in an art museum, Guzman performed “Sposalizio” from “Années de pèlerinage” by Franz Liszt, which tells the story of the painting of the same name by Raphael.
“You can imagine a wedding processional happening, but [there’s] something very spiritual about it,” Guzman said.
Guzman also teaches various masterclasses, and just 10 years ago, he taught a masterclass at St. Joe’s. He said his inspiration to play comes from his students.
“I think my students inspire me a lot because I love seeing how much they care for the art,” Guzman said. “It makes me want to be active in it, too, [and] keep having discovery of what’s out there.”