Noon Hour Concert: Schumann's Symphonic Etudes Op. 13

This concert will feature Robert Schumann's Symphonic Etudes Op. 13. Robert Schumann began writing his Symphonic Etudes in 1834. It consists of a series of studies which are written in the form of variations upon a theme by Baron von Fricken. The lyrical theme is heard at the beginning, after which a very imaginative and virtuosic sequence of variations begins. The etudes are written in such a way that the pianist who plays them must try to bring out orchestral effects through variation in tone colour and textures implied by the music, which is why this piece is known as Symphonic Etudes. Interestingly, the finale is based on a different theme from the rest of the cycle, namely a melody from Heinrich Marschner’s opera Der Templer und die Judin. The piece ends in a triumphant D-flat major after having been in the key of C-sharp minor for the most part.

I chose to play this piece because I have loved it for a long time and wished to play it as I knew that it would be a challenge for me as well as an enjoyment. The work is at the same time brilliant and technically demanding while providing ample opportunity for musical expression and soulful lyricism in the more intimate variations.   
                                                               Pianist Marco Pejanovic

Biography: Marko Pejanovic was born in 1999 and began playing the piano at the age of eight. When Marko was ten, he was accepted into the Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists in Toronto where he studied for seven years. In 2017 he was awarded the prestigious Ken Murray Entrance Scholarship to enter the Bachelor of Music program in piano performance at Wilfrid Laurier University where he currently studies with Anya Alexeyev.  His previous teachers include Vanja Srnic, Dianne Werner, James Anagnoson, and Heather Taves.

His numerous achievements include being chosen as the “Next” musician by CBC Music, winning the Grand prize of the Junior Category of the OCO Concerto Competition in Toronto, winning the President’s Trophy at the Kiwanis Music Festival of Greater Toronto, winning the Piano category of the Sunshine Cup competition, winning the WLU Concerto Competition, obtaining the second prize in his age category at the CMC in Montreal, winning the Ken Murray Concerto competition, as well as performing across Canada, in the US, Russia, China, the Czech Republic, and Serbia.

In addition to having extensive experience playing solo recitals and concertos with orchestra, Marko enjoys collaborating with instrumentalists and singers. In particular, the genre of opera has a special place in his heart. He devotes much of his free time to the study, analysis, and transcribing of operas, and to research into vocal technique.

This concert series is proudly sponsored by