Sean Chen, a charismatic and world-renowned pianist, captivated the audience during California State University, Dominguez Hills’ (CSUDH) annual Steinway by Starlight concert Feb. 2 with energetic renditions of pieces by such virtuosos as Leopold Godowsky, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and an alluring performance of Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Quasi una fantasia.”
Steinway by Starlight is an annual concert in CSUDH’s University Theatre that showcases the university’s designation as an “All-Steinway School.” As part of the elite group of institutions worldwide to have the distinction, the university’s faculty and students learn, practice, and perform only on pianos designed by the world-famous Steinway & Sons, whose instruments are the piano of choice for serious musicians worldwide.
Prior to Chen’s performance, CSUDH Guitar Studies major Tara Rose Davison, who began her career as a successful opera singer, sang and performed on guitar such pieces as Ernesto Cordero’s “Zenobia” and “Cadencia.” She was then joined by CSUDH faculty members: Scott Morris, chair of the Department of Music and supervisor of Guitar Studies; and David Issacs, instructor of classical guitar. The trio played “Triptych” by Frank Wallace.
