The Department of Music at Nicholls State University hosted the third annual Monster Piano Concert on Tuesday, Sept. 21, in Talbot Hall Theater on campus.
Sixteen pianists, including faculty, students, alumni and guests, performed on six Steinway pianos, including the university’s own concert grand and four others, plus one more provided by Hall Piano Company, Louisiana’s exclusive Steinway dealer. More than 200 guests attended the concert, which raised more than $11,000 to help purchase additional Steinway pianos for the music program at Nicholls – the latest step in the university’s initiative to attain all-Steinway status. Pictured clockwise, from bottom left, are Michelle Parro, friend of the Department of Music; Kay Dugruise, 1987 music graduate; Donna Sammarco, instructor of music and 1981 music graduate; Rachel Billiot Klaus, 2005 music graduate; Beth Turner, 1975 music graduate; Casey Haynes, staff accompanist and 2004 music graduate; Kara Kraemer, music education senior from Avon, Minn.; Timothy Cook, music sophomore from England; Sorin Spasinovici, music freshman from Romania; Dr. Luciana Soares, associate professor of music; Elizabeth-Jane Toups, nursing senior from Thibodaux; Dr. Carol Britt, head of the Department of Music and associate professor; Kristen Robichaux, music education senior from Thibodaux; Benjamin Robichaux, music education freshman from Thibodaux; Mary Ann Bulla, friend of the Department of Music; and Julia Allen, 2004 music graduate. The Tuesday concert marked the first time that male performers joined the ensemble.
