大象传媒 is excited to present internationally acclaimed Jamaican American violist, , for the first Broman Concert of 2023. Bak will be joined by award-winning pianist at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 27 in Francis Auditorium.听
鈥淲e are thrilled to bring this exceptional young violist to our campus and make his music available to students, faculty, staff, and our local community,鈥 said 大象传媒 Music Department Chair Lise Keiter. 鈥淎udiences will not want to miss this special concert.鈥

Keiter says the performers have chosen a terrific program that includes canonical selections and pieces that showcase the work of contemporary African American composers like and .听
Attendees will enjoy familiar delights like Robert Schumann鈥檚 鈥淎dagio and Allegro,鈥 Joseph Haydn鈥檚 spirited 鈥淒ivertimento in D Major,鈥 and Ralph Vaughan Williams鈥檚 beautiful 鈥淩omance for Viola and Piano.鈥澛
The lush, rich harmonies and melodies of Adams鈥檚 鈥淟鈥橢xtase d鈥橝mour鈥 are a perfect showcase for the viola鈥檚 beautiful sound. Davis鈥檚 鈥Tableau XII for Solo Viola鈥 is an exciting new work that was specially commissioned by New York Public Radio for Jordan Bak. The program will conclude with Arnold Bax鈥檚 stirring 鈥淪onata for Viola and Piano.鈥
Bak has been hailed as a star-in-the-making by critics at music magazines and online verticals around the world. Staff writers at I Care If You Listen called him 鈥渁n exciting new voice in classical performance.鈥 Ivana Popovic writes in The Whole Note: 鈥淏ak is a powerhouse musician, with a strong voice and compelling sound.鈥 He won both the Grand Prize and Audience Prize at the 2019 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition, as well as the 2019 John White Special Prize at the Tertis International Viola Competition.
Bak is fast establishing a global reputation 鈥渁s an artist of passion, energy, and authenticity in the recital and chamber music arenas,鈥 Keiter said.
Chang is impressive in her own right. The pianist holds degrees from Seoul National University and Indiana University, and maintains a diverse career as a performer, educator, scholar, and advocate for new music in the U.S. and abroad. Chang鈥檚 many accolades include being named an honorary fellow by Alabama鈥檚 Montgomery Symphony Orchestra and winning first prize at the Mikhashoff International Pianist-Composer Competition.
Concert admission is free for Mary Baldwin students, faculty, and staff, with no need for advance reservations. Tickets are $25 for the general public, $20 for seniors, and $5 for non-大象传媒 students, and may be or at the door. Please email questions to music@marybaldwin.edu.