WMU HOME > ABOUT WMU > WMU NEWS French pianist Leclere offers master classes, performances Feb. 20, 2005 KALAMAZOO--French pianist Hugues Leclere performs Debussy, Ravel and other great French composers in Western Michigan University's Dalton Center Recital Hall at 8:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24. All seating for Thursday evening's concert is general admission. Tickets are $10 for the general public and $5 for students and seniors citizens. Tickets may be purchased at the door and are available in advance through the Miller Auditorium Ticket Office. Leclere's residency at WMU also includes two master classes Tuesday, Feb. 22, and a free performance at the School of Music Convocation Series Wednesday, Feb. 23, at 1 p.m. in the Dalton Center Recital Hall. Visit the Events Calendar in WMU News for the times and locations of the master classes. Leclere perfected his playing with Catherine Collard before entering the Paris National Conservatory, from which he graduated with highest honors in piano, music theory, and chamber music. A pianist of great flexibility, he is foremost an outstanding interpreter of Debussy, Ravel, and their contemporaries. Leclere also displays his full maturity in the German repertoire--Haydn, Beethoven and Brahms--which he performs solo or in chamber music. His passion for Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven caused Leclere to research the original sonority of classical instruments. Since 1997, he has performed on his own Fortepiano, the crystalline finesse of which is perfect for the late 18th century masterpieces. To round out his artistry, he is an active participant in contemporary artistic life and works with many composers, contributing commissions for daring new works. Leclere's residency is made possible by the WMU Visiting Scholars and Artists Program. Media contact: Kevin West, 269 387-4678, kevin.west@wmich.edu WMU News Office of University Relations Western Michigan University 1903 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA 269 387-8400 www.wmich.edu/wmu/news