Rolf’s Piano Series keys it’s first performer

Sara Daneshpour performs a piano piece on Jan. 30 for the Rolfs Piano Series.

Kyra Wood- The Corsair

Global pianist sensation Sara Daneshpour, 21, gave the first performance of Rolf’s Piano Series Jan. 30 in the Ashmore Fine Arts Auditorium.

Rolf’s Piano Series is a donation sponsored effort to spark more appreciation toward the classical art form.

Daneshpour delivered her piano technique interpreting artists such as Scarlatti, Rachmaninoff, Schumann, Chopin and Prokofiev.

“I really liked [the concert], I think a lot of people under-rate pianist because they don’t understand the impact classical music has,” Box Office Manager, Rhoda Moya said. “To me, classical music is like cocoa on a cold winter morning; it calms the spirit and soul without invading any personal space.”

Enrolled in piano classes at age five by her parents, Daneshpour blossomed gradually into a devoted musician. “It was a natural process,” she said.

A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, she accepted guidance under Leon Fleisher. Presently she studies under Dr. Oleg Volkov, James Tocco, and Jerome Lowenthal.

Daneshpour has accomplished two competition awards: second prize at 2007’s William Kapell International Piano Competition, and first prize, along with a Gold Medal, at 2007’s International Russian Music Piano Competition.

She has performed in Finland, Germany, Denmark, Japan, Estonia, Russia, Sweden, New York, Cleveland and Philadelphia. Also, 160 public radio stations have featured Daneshpour’s piano act.

“I just got back from Japan, besides [Ashmore], of course, Japan has been one of the most exciting places I’ve been. They respect art a lot, it was a gratifying experience,” she said.

Next to perform in the Rolf’s Piano Series is Ning An on Feb. 6, followed by Petronel Malan Feb. 20.