Pianist lifts lid on female composers
Music has the power to sketch an image, capture a fleeting mood or leave an impression that lingers long after the final note.
Such is the inspiration for “Silhouettes in Sound,” presented by pianist and educator Anne Denis at the Lincoln City Cultural Center this Sunday, Nov. 2.
The program will explore the stories and inspirations behind three pioneering female composers of the late Romantic/early modern period whose works were historically marginalized but are now gaining overdue recognition. Discover, or rediscover, the music of Mel Bonis, Dora Pejačević and Florence Price at this one-of-a-kind lecture and performance.
Denis has built a career on combining artistry with insight. A native of Buffalo, New York, she is now based in Beaverton. She attended the State University of New York College at Fredonia where she earned a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, continued at Ohio State University where she earned a Master of Music and then completed doctoral coursework at the University of Memphis. Since moving to the Pacific Northwest in 2010, she has remained active as both performer and teacher, operating a thriving home piano studio and inspiring students of all ages.
In “Silhouettes in Sound,” Denis combines live performance with lecture, guiding audiences through works that cast distinctive musical “portraits” and “shadows.” With her characteristic warmth and clarity, she reveals how composers across centuries have used melody and harmony to capture people, places and fleeting emotions.
“This program is about listening with fresh ears,” Denis said. “When we understand the stories and inspirations behind the music, every note becomes richer, more vivid — like seeing a silhouette spring to life.”
Denis’ dedication to uncovering overlooked voices in music history has brought her international recognition. She has recently performed the works of Florence Price in the United Kingdom and France, competed in the Brahms International Piano Competition in Austria and completed the distinguished Tholen Fellowship through Portland Piano International. She has also served on the college piano faculty at Villa Maria College in Buffalo and worked as a graduate teaching assistant during her studies.
“Anne has that rare ability to make classical music both accessible and deeply moving,” said Jason Corso, program coordinator at the Lincoln City Cultural Center. “We’re thrilled to host her and to offer this program as a gift to our community.”
Sunday’s show begins at 2 pm at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, located at 540 NE Hwy. 101. Admission is by suggested donation of $20. For more information, go to lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.