Thursday, August 24, 2017
Staff report
CANFIELD
Local pianist Michael Nichols will be showcased by the William Holmes McGuffey Historical Society in the annual fall piano program, “Music in the Afternoon.” The program will take place Sept. 2 at 2 p.m. at the Ursuline Center, 4280 Shields Road, Canfield.
This Steinway grand piano presentation will feature Nichols, winner of the YSU Dana School of Music Young Artist Competition, along with guest pianists Anthony Ruggiero and Alyssa Titi.
Classical piano selections composed by Frederic Chopin, Maurice Ravel, Richard Rodgers/Stephen Hough, Rachmaninoff and Prokofiev will be performed.
Nichols has been performing since age 11 and is a graduate of Chaney VPA School in Youngstown. He is YSU Dana School of Music keyboard performance major and has performed in numerous YSU and Chaney concerts, recitals and plays, as pianist, arranger and music director.
Nichols is a featured pianist at the Annual William Holmes McGuffey Elementary School’s Founder’s Day/Pioneer Award ceremony, which is sponsored by the WHMHS. He studies with Dr. Caroline Oltmanns, YSU keyboard professor and department chairwoman, and Sean Baran. He is the music director at Disciples Christ Church in Boardman.
Ruggiero is a former YSU Dana School of Music adjunct professor and the former music director of Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Youngstown. Titi is a YSU keyboard performance major and has played in numerous recitals.
The WHMHS will sell the just-released DVD titled “William Holmes McGuffey: America’s Schoolmaster,” in celebration of its 55th anniversary.
The program is open to the public, but reservations are suggested. A good will offering of $5 will be accepted. Complimentary refreshments will be served. Walk-ins are admitted, based upon seating availability. For reservations or information, call Richard Scarsella at 330-726-8277.