"My Favorite Things" at AUK

The faculty recital entitled "My Favorite Things," held at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) on March 20th featured critically acclaimed AUK Assistant Professor of Music Stephanie Shih-yu Cheng on the newly acquired Yamaha C7XPE grand piano.

The concert was Dr. Cheng's debut performance in Kuwait after she joined the AUK music faculty in the fall of 2012. Dr. Cheng commenced the recital for the faculty with Bach's Prelude in B minor, and subsequently played Mozart's Twelve Variations on "Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman," before moving to Chopin's iconic Nocturne, Op.9 No. 2, Debussy's famous Claire de Lune, Liszt's Liebestraume, No. 3, Rodgers' "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music, and finally Moszkowski's Caprice Espagnol, Op. 37.

This semester's recital was met with particular success; the auditorium was near capacity, the musical selection was popular with the audience, and Dr. Cheng's talent on the piano was recognized and appreciated. Previously, Dr. Cheng has performed around the world in renowned locales including but not limited to Carnegie Hall in New York City, the National Concert Hall of Taipei, and the Opera City Hall of Tokyo. Her critics have referred to her performances as "memorable and sumptuous affairs" (New York Concert Review) and "fearless, with a graceful ease" (Courier-Post).

Before arriving at AUK, Dr. Cheng was on the faculty of City University of New York, and Manhattan School of Music. Her most recent CD, a collaborative effort entitled License to Thrill, was released by Summit on March 12, 2013. More information about Dr. Cheng and her musical offerings are available at www.stephanie-cheng.com.

The Department of Music and Drama at AUK offers a wide range of opportunities for both beginning and advanced students within the context of a liberal arts education. The Music and Drama faculty of talented professionals work closely with students to prepare them for campus concerts and plays, and to academically challenge them in performing arts courses. The department fosters artistic proficiency, cultural appreciation, a sense of community, and a lifelong commitment to the arts.

Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 1st April 2013