The SOSU Musical Arts Series presents the Steger International Artist Series featuring French pianist Hugues Leclère in recital January 25 at 7:30 P.M.

Southeastern Oklahoma State University Musical Arts Series presents the Steger International Artist Series featuring French pianist Hugues Leclère in recital January 25 at 7:30 P.M. In the Fine Arts Recital. Mr. Leclère will also present a masterclass for area pianists on Saturday, January 26 in the Fine Arts Recital from 10:00 – 1:00. The use of the Steinway concert grand for this performance is made possible by a donation from Ms. Marilyn Comer. For more information on Musical Arts Series events, contact Dr. James Wintle, Director at jwintle@sosu.edu or visit http://www.sosu.edu/musical-arts-series.

About Hugues Leclère, pianist

Born in France, Hugues Leclère perfected his playing with Catherine Collard before entering the Paris National Conservatory (Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique), from which he graduated with high honors in piano, music theory, and chamber music. He studied at this period with Jean-Claude Pennetier, Jean-François Heisser, Alain Planès, Régis Pasquier et Alain Louvier.

He performs in recitals in France such as at the Cite de la Musique, at the Festival d'Ile de France, Festival Présences of Radio France, Riom, Boucard, Pierrefonds, Flaine, Melle, La Prée, Musique en Albret, Abbaye de Sées, Mazaugues, Chateauneuf du Pape... and in abroad: USA, Japan, China, Netherlands (Concertgebouw in Amsterdam), Deutschland (Musikhalle in Hambourg), Marocco, Biélorussian, Italy, Spain (Madrid), Portugal (Coimbra Festival)... He is invited by differents orchestras Orchestre Symphonique & Lyrique of Nancy, Minsk Orchestra, Timisoara Orchestra, l'Ensemble Itinéraire...)

An outstanding interpreter of Debussy, Ravel and their contemporaries, Hughes Leclère confirms his full maturity in the German repertoire (Haydn, Beethoven, Brahms...) which he performs solo or in chamber music.

His passion for Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven brought him to research the original sonority of classical instruments. Since 1997 he has his own Pianoforte, the cristalline finesse of which is perfect for the late 18th century masterpieces. An active participant in contemporary artistic life, Hughes Leclère works with many composers, contributing to commissions for new works. Since 2001 he collaborates with the CCN Ballet National de Lorraine (especially Tchaikovsky and Bartok) and proposes various original shows which intermingel different artistic expressions.

In addition to his career as a concert performer, Hugues Leclère has taught at the Paris Conservatory (Conservatoire Supérieur de Paris, CNR) since 1995, and is the artistic director of the Nancyphonies Festival and the European Music Masterclasses in Nancy.