Guest pianist to perform 'Choosing Joy'

Piano teacher and performer Jeff Manchur’s love and respect of traditional music led him into the world of new music, searching for fresh ways of expression beyond the conventional boundaries of current customs of classical music. Audiences will have a chance to experience Manchur’s diverse and challenging style when he performs a guest recital, Choose Joy: Music from a Cancer Journey, at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 17, in Brenneman Music Hall.

Manchur has performed at new music festivals across the U.S. As his repertoire for his Heidelberg concert indicates, he is a strong advocate for the works of living composers alongside classical masterpieces. He will perform selections by Johannes Brahms, Ludwig van Beethoven, Samuel Barber, Amy Beach and contemporary composer Garrett Hope. His program speaks to his wife’s successful fight against cancer last year.

Manchur received his bachelor’s degree from Brandon University, his master’s degree from the University of Nebraska and his doctoral degree from Bowling Green State University. He continues to freelance as a solo and collaborative pianist as well as serving on the faculties of the Toledo Symphony School of Music, BGSU and Heidelberg.

The concert is free and open to the community.