A recent recital on the campus of Emporia State University was more than just a great source of entertainment for those in attendance, it was also a homecoming for two of the featured performers.
The center played host to the trio consisting of brothers and Emporia natives, Drs. Jeremy and Jared Starr and pianist Dr. Carmen Hall, who performed a variety of classical pieces including one composed by Jared Starr himself, “Against the Tide.”
Audio PlayerSpeaking with KVOE News on Sunday, Jared Starr stated the opportunity to perform in his hometown, along with his brother and Dr. Hall, whom he called the greatest pianist he has ever worked with, was an emotionally full circle experience.
Audio PlayerCurrently based in Utah, Jared and Jeremy Starr are members of a well-known local family with decades of experience and success within the musical field. Jeremy Starr is the former Head of String Studies at Emporia State University, a position he held from 2009 to 2016, and currently teaches private music and conducts lessons to students both in the Salt Lake City, Utah, area and around the world online. Meanwhile, Jared Starr currently operates his own business, Jared Starr Music, with over 60 students while also maintaining a busy performance schedule as a soloist, chamber and orchestral performer across the nation.
On top of being a professional pianist, Dr. Hall is also a music teacher in her private studio and a faculty member in the music department of Utah Valley University. She holds a doctoral degree in Piano Performance with Music Theory as a secondary field from the University of Utah.
In addition to their performance Sunday, the Starrs and Hall also hosted a series of master classes for Emporia State University Music students during their time in the community. Jeremy Starr says that when it comes to legacy and continuing the tradition of music, it is important to constantly be working to inspire and build up the next generation of performers.
Audio PlayerDr. Hall says it is truly a pleasure to be able to pass on their knowledge whenever they have the opportunity. She adds that when it comes to classical music, there is always so much to “think about.”
Audio PlayerSunday’s recital comes as part of the Amend Family Music Series, which was started by Doug and Margaret Amend as a way to support classical music and bring world-renowned classical performers to the community.
