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A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 M A C O N M A G A Z I N E . C O M | 5 3 Mercer University School of Music | music.mercer.edu Joan Stockstill Godsey Center for Keyboard Studies M ercer University has become an All-Steinway School through the generosity of Mercer's chancellor, Dr. R. Kirby Godsey. With the establishment of the Joan Stockstill Godsey Center for Keyboard Studies, the School of Music features Steinway & Son pianos for all teaching, rehearsals and performances. The gift, which recognized Joan Godsey's many contributions to Mercer, and in particular her love of and commitment to music, enabled the School of Music to join the nation's other premier music programs as an All-Steinway School. The gift provided for 37 new pianos and created an endowed fund to support the care and upkeep of all the pianos. The Joan Stockstill Godsey Center for Keyboard Studies hosts an annual Concert Series that features leading international performing keyboard artists. The Godsey Center joins the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings, the Townsend-McAfee Institute for Graduate Church Music Studies, and the Jo Phelps Fabian Center for Musical Excellence as signature programs of the Mercer University School of Music. Joan Stockstill Godsey Concert Series Unless otherwise noted, all performances are free and will begin at 7:30 pm in the Neva Langley Fickling Hall at the McCorkle Music Building on Mercer's Macon campus. Leah Partridge, soprano Carol Goff, collaborative piano Thursday, Feb. 13 "Songs for the Soul" — Leah Partridge, soprano, will join Carol Goff, piano, in a beautiful evening of collaborative artistry. Leah Partridge, a Mercer alum, has received consistent praise worldwide for her intelligent and compelling operatic roles, making her debut with the Metropolitan Opera in 2008. Her interpretations of song literature reflect stunning clarity and deep reflection. Carol Goff, collaborative piano TSM Friends Monday, April 20 Great American Art Songs — Carol Goff, fellow artist friends and colleagues will take a journey through the music and poetry of some of the most significant composers of 19th, 20th and 21st century art song. This rich and varied program will be an evening of remembrance, longing, peace, hope and love. Stephen Nielson, piano Thursday, Feb. 6 Polyphony Church Music Concert — Distinguished in both classical and sacred music, Stephen Nielson is widely regarded as one of the distinctive artists of our time. Ambassador for the World Cultural Alliance, his discography includes classical repertoire, music for piano and cello, and hymn tunes in the classical style. Stephen Nielson is a Steinway artist. Elizabeth Pridgen and Julie Coucheron, piano-duo Thursday, Sept. 5 Distinguished faculty artist Elizabeth Pridgen is joined by pianist Julie Coucheron for an evening of piano four-hand music featuring works by Mozart, Mendelssohn and Barber. Coucheron has established an international career winning first prize in all the national competitions she has attended in addition to winning prizes in Italy, Germany and the United States. Originally from Oslo, Norway, Ms. Coucheron resides in Atlanta and is a member of the Georgian Chamber Players. Rita Sloan, collaborative piano; Amy Schwartz Moretti, violin; Elizabeth Pridgen, piano; and McDuffie Center Young Artists Tuesday, Feb. 25 Rita Sloan is acknowledged internationally as a leading teacher of piano, collaborative piano and chamber music. In 1999, she was appointed a piano faculty member and director of the collaborative piano program at the University of Maryland. As an Artist Faculty Member at the Aspen Music Festival, Ms. Sloan founded their Collaborative Piano Program. Ms. Sloan joins violinist Amy Schwartz Moretti, Elizabeth Pridgen and McDuffie Center young artists for an evening of unforgettable solo and chamber music.