Recital - Nirmana: Change, a concert featuring music by composers of color
Amrutha Koteeswaran, flute & Dia Sohyun Park, Piano
Zoom
Friday, 6:00-6:45
The past few years have been filled with a significant amount of diversification of the repertoire, but there is always more music to learn about. I never knew that there were composers of color writing fantastic music until the past few years. It was extremely eye opening to have the ability to research and learn about pieces of music that was built upon the music of my childhood by composers who were also Indian-American. I loved being able to perform these pieces, but was upset at how much research I had to do to even find these compositions. As part of the next generation of flutists, I personally take responsibility and am committed to the diversification of the repertoire, and as an Indian-American who has spent much of her life trying to fit into American Culture, I am also committed to shedding light on Indian and Indian-American composers. I want to be the change, the Nirmana, that I want in the flute world, and I am excited to share new music!!
Amrutha Koteeswaran is currently a graduate student at the University of Texas studying under Professor Marianne Gedigian. While working towards her Master's degree in Flute performance, Amrutha is also a private lesson and masterclass instructor in the Austin area working with Austin ISD, Hays ISD, and Round Rock ISD. She received her Bachelor's degree in flute performance from Baylor University in 2021 studying under Dr. Charlotte Daniel. As a performer, she is committed to the diversification of the standard flute repertoire. As an Indian-American, amplifying other Indian and Indian-American voices has always been a priority for Amrutha, and will continue to be a big part of her performance career.
Dia Sohyun Park, born in Korea, Seoul, received a Master's degree at Indiana University, Jacobs School of Music, where she studied with Anne Epperson and Kevin Murphy. Presently, she is a doctoral candidate at the University of Texas at Austin under Colette Valentine and Rick Rowley. In addition to her work as a performer of traditional works, Park has had the privilege of performing new music by Sophia Gubaidulina at the Seoul International Music Festival, as well as Eric Ewazen and Ellen Taaffe Zwillich at the new music festival at Lynn University.