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Friday Night Concert: Marianne Lauffer

Marianne Lauffer will perform works by Ludwig van Beethoven, Robert Schumann, and Isaac Albeniz.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Bridgewater Library.

The performance will include:

• Piano Sonata No.18, Op.31, No.3 in Eb Major by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 - 1827)
• Davidsbündlertänze, Op.6 by Robert Schumann (1810 - 1856)
• “El Puerto” from Iberia, Volume 1 by Isaac Albeniz (1860 - 1909)

“I have never thought of writing for reputation and honor.  What I have in my heart and soul - must find a way out.  That’s the reason for music.”  - Ludwig van Beethoven.

Beethoven’s sentiments are the common thread that ties this program together. The music you will hear reflects each composer’s response to a current moment or point in their life. They were compelled to express their souls through composition.  

Marianne Lauffer earned a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Piano Performance from Indiana University where she studied with Dr. Karen Shaw. While at Indiana University she performed in master classes with Menahem Pressler, György Sebők, and Jorge Bolet. Her post graduate work was at The Juilliard School where she studied with Irwin Freundlich and Jacob Lateiner.  

While in New York City, Marianne was accepted into the studio of Cuban pianist German Diez. Her studies with him were immediately impressionable and life changing. German Diez was personally invited to the US by his teacher and mentor, the esteemed pianist, Claudio Arrau. Arrau’s legacy of musical and technical knowledge of piano playing can be traced back to Franz Liszt, and consequently, Carl Czerny and Beethoven.  

Professionally, Ms. Lauffer began her career as the music director of the Princeton Ballet School. She was the featured pianist with the American Repertory Ballet Company in premiere performances of Pas de Deux, a ballet set to the music of John Field.  The ensemble performed at McCarter Theater, State Theater in New Brunswick, and in New York City.

Ms. Lauffer was the Assistant Director of Faculty and Extensions at Westminster Conservatory in Princeton for 42 years. During that tenure, she served as state president of the New Jersey Music Teachers Association. She received several awards for her service with the organization, including the NJMTA Foundation Award and, most recently, the NJMTA 2021 Teacher of the Year Award.  

At the conclusion of the program please feel free to take a brief online survey here:
https://www.projectoutcome.org/responses/64891

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