Classically Speaking

Classical music in West Virginia and Beyond

Evan Mack: Pianist and Composer

(Interviews) Permanent link
By Mona Seghatoleslami
 · May 4, 2009
Evan Mack
Evan Mack

Evan Mack is a champion of American music for the piano, and he also incorporates music from South America and Africa into his programs. His interest in American music began with Samuel Barber’s Piano Concerto.  Here he is playing the first movement with the Vanderbilt University Orchestra in 2002.

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Barber Piano Concerto: Mvt 1

We started our interview talking about this piece by Samuel Barber. From there, we also discussed the music he’ll be playing for his May 8th recital at Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg. We also talked about his musical background, composition projects, how contemporary music can be accessible to audiences, and his upcoming plans. 
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Interview with Evan Mack


In the interview, Mack mentions his opera Angel of the Amazon about Sister Dorothy Stang, a nun who was murdered while working as a missionary in Brazil. 

He’s currently working on getting the opera to workshop or the stage.  Here’s “Have I Not Wept?” an aria from the demo CD. Erin Greene sings as Sister Dororthy Stang:

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"Have I Not Wept?" from Angel of the Amazon


If you’d like to hear “West Virginia Girl,” a very different song by Mack that we discussed, you can find it on his Web site

Evan Mack will be playing a concert on Friday May 8 at 7:30pm, at Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg, West Virginia


Just a note: This interview has led me to realize that Lewisburg is a serious piano hotspot. Two other pianists I’ve interviewed are based there: Fran Belin and Barbara Nissman



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