Missouri State University’s Dr. Hye-Jung Hong and Dr. Wei-Han Su, piano faculty in the Department of Music, were invited to teach and to perform as guest artists at the IPPA Conero International Piano Festival in Recanati, Italy, August 1-10.

Both professors were invited to the festival through the recommendation of professional peers, according to Hong. “Our reputation as performers and educators drew the attention of the director of the IPPA,” Hong said.

Su gave the festival’s emphasis on “innovative, in-depth, customized and interactive learning” as an important reason to participate. Both professors appreciated the festival’s diverse, international community as well.

“Participants at the festival and competition came from many parts of the world including Canada, Argentina, Paraguay, Switzerland, Ukraine, Italy, United Kingdom, Japan, China, Malaysia, Indonesia and the U.S.,” Su explained. “It was a great opportunity for our students to learn about different cultures while sharing their musical talents.”

For their guest appearance, Hong and Su performed Robert Helps’ “Saccade” and Maurice Ravel’s “Rapsodie espagnole” in piano four-hands.

Graduate student Shawn Lee gives award-winning performance

Six MSU students also attended the festival, where they were taught by internationally acclaimed faculty; attended master classes, workshops and presentations; and performed at student concerts.

Shawn Lee, a student of Su’s who is seeking his master’s in piano performance, won first place in the professional artists category. As part of the award, Lee is invited back to the festival to perform a concerto with the orchestra next summer.

The entire group enjoyed their visit in Recanati, which held special significance as the birthplace of Italian tenor Beniamino Gigli.

“The historic sites are really well-kept with beautiful views,” Hong said. “We loved the ancient stone roads and the historical architecture, churches and museums.”