Pianist Robert Auler to celebrate Chopin for Focus on Faculty Series

SUNY Oswego music professor and concert pianist Robert Auler will headline a recital titled "Chopin Celebration" for the Focus on Faculty Series at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, in Sheldon Hall ballroom.

Auler, chair of the music department, will perform pieces from Frédéric Chopin, a Polish composer and pianist popular during the Romantic era. Auler refers to Chopin as the pinnacle of the piano, noting the renowned pianist/composer's artistic excellence and expertise are something Auler wants to portray in his performance.

The repertoire features two "Nocturnes" in B-flat minor and E-flat major, respectively; two "Ballades," No. 2 in F major and No. 3 in A-flat major; "Fantaisie" in F minor; and "Funeral March," Chopin's Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor.

Performing on six continents and in many countries, including in China, Venezuela and across Europe, Auler also has played in Chicago's Dame Myra Hess Series, Cincinnati's Challenging Performances Series and Indianapolis' Athenaeum Series in several states.

Auler has won several awards, including those of the Society of American Musicians and the Stravinsky Awards.

The Focus on Faculty series recitals are an important connection between the campus and greater Oswego communities, said Auler, who also founded and directs the Oswego Youth Conservatory and Pulaski's LaVeck Concerts.

Tickets for "Chopin Celebration" are $8 ($5 for SUNY Oswego students) and are available at all SUNY Oswego box offices, online at tickets.oswego.edu and by calling 315-312-2141.

Parking is included in the price of the ticket, and is available in the employee and commuter lots adjacent to and across Washington Boulevard from Sheldon Hall. Patrons needing assistance should call 315-312-2141 in advance of the concert.

For information on other SUNY Oswego fine arts presentations, visit oswego.edu/arts.