NATCHITOCHES – Pianist Karen Walwyn will present a concert at Northwestern State University on Thursday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. The concert is part of the Louisiana Piano Series International. Tickets are $15. Northwestern, BPCC@NSU and Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts students are admitted free with a current student I.D. A livestream will be available at www.nsu.la/CAPA-LIVE. NSU Associate Professor of Piano Dr. Francis Yang is director of the of the Louisiana Piano Series International.
The program will include works by Florence B. Price.
A significant aspect of Walwyn’s artistic mission is her work as a champion of Price, a groundbreaking figure in American music and the first female African American composer to gain national recognition. Walwyn has played a crucial role in bringing her work to contemporary audiences. She performed and recorded the world premiere of Price’s “Concerto in One Movement,” an achievement that has garnered significant attention and praise. Walwyn further championed Price’s legacy with the 2022 release of an album devoted largely to premiere recordings of Price’s piano works, continuing the vital restoration of this pioneering composer’s voice to the concert stage and recorded canon.
Hailing from the vibrant cultural landscape of New York, Walwyn has established herself as a prominent figure in the world of classical music. She was honored as a 2025 Brother Thomas Fellow of the Boston Foundation, a recognition that underscores her dedication to her craft and her contributions to the arts. Her musical journey took a significant leap when she made her New York solo piano debut at the renowned Merkin Hall as she released her acclaimed two-album set titled ‘Dark Fires’ on Albany Records. These albums are a significant tribute to the rich heritage of American composers of African descent, featuring works that resonate deeply with the cultural narratives and experiences of these artists.
In addition to her performance career. Walwyn, an International Steinway Artist, is also a dedicated educator, serving as a professor of piano at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. In this role, she not only imparts her extensive knowledge and skills to her students as a piano professor, her commitment to education also reflects her belief in the transformative power of music and its ability to connect people across cultural divides through the teachings of her course entitled Piano Literature by Composers of African Descent.
Walwyn’s artistry has not gone unnoticed by critics, as she has received glowing reviews for her performances. Among these accolades are numerous coveted five-star reviews from Fanfare, and her New York Times review which are testaments to her skill and the emotional depth she brings to her interpretations.