Pierce College continued its weekly Thursday Concert Series with pianist Danny Holt.
Holt, who has played at world famous venues including Carnegie Hall and Walt Disney Concert Hall, played six pieces for the crowded room at the MUS 3400 building.
Holt was introduced by associate professor James Bergman. “Danny always brings cool stuff”, said Bergman as Holt took to the piano.
Once the room became quiet it was soon filled with a vehement Jean Sebastian Bach composition played on a modern piano.
“This is the way Bach makes sense to me on modern piano”, said Holt before he began his concert.
Before Holt played his second piece he gave a little insight on how he feels about Mozart. “When I was younger I thought I hated Mozart. I didn’t hate Mozart I just hated the way people played Mozart.”
He went on to play Sonata in F Major, K. 332 by Mozart. He said the first time he heard the sonata he said, “I must play this piece!”
Holt ended the concert by performing three pieces from local San Fernando Valley composer Mike Garson. About playing music composed by Garson Holt said, “The music that gets me the most excited is contemporary music. It’s thrilling to be able to work with living composers to bring their music to life. Mike Garson’s “Gospel” is the piece from today’s program that I enjoy playing the most.”
After the concert Holt said, “I’ve performed at Pierce at least a half dozen times. I always love performing in small, intimate settings where I can feel a close connection with the audience.”
“These are great. I think they are a wonderful opportunity for the community as well as the classes to see a huge variety of what is out there in today’s world,” said audience member Trudi Nash, who began attending the concert series three years. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to hear so many different things that you normally wouldn’t be exposed to.”
The concert series continues on Nov. 6 with violinist Ji Young An.