World-renowned pianist visits as part of Celebrity Series

UNH's most recent Celebrity Series guest, Santiago Rodriguez, performed Friday night in Paul Creative Arts Center's Johnson theatre. Mozart, Chopin, and Soler were among his repertoire.

"We are so fortunate to hear him play," said Durham resident Anne Knight. "It's amazing that someone can play that fast and that accurately."

Santiago Rodriguez has been called "a phenomenal pianist" by the New York Times and "among the finest pianists in the world," by the Baltimore Sun. An immigrant from Cuba, Rodriguez has led a highly notable career that spans the globe. In 1981 he received the silver metal at the Van Cliburn Competition and CBS covered his path to success in 1993.
Rodriguez played passionately and ended his concert with a dedication to those he was staying with in the area.

"I appreciate them and love them very much," he told the audience.

Rodriguez's down to earth and easy-going demeanor was contagious.

"I think the ‘P' adjectives never describe me," Rodriguez laughed. "Prim, proper, all those."

Everyone who works with Rodriguez is delighted at how "normal" he is.

"He is just a great person to work with, and he is just so normal," said Mary DeTurk, manager of the Celebrity Series, whom Rodriguez stayed with.

"The piano is an extension of myself," Rodriguez said. "I don't have a very good voice for singing so the piano is my voice."

Santiago Rodriguez, many say, is likeable and inspiring, a wonderful instructor.
"When he's talking about the piano, it just makes sense," said music student Parker Callahan who attended a master class with Rodriguez this past Thursday. "He gave performers pointers and their music just sounded drastically better."

Mr. Rodriguez never stopped thanking the Celebrity Series staff for the opportunity to play at UNH.

"I feel like these people are my family," Rodriguez said. "I love them."

For an event list of up coming Celebrity Series shows search "Celebrity Series" at www.unh.edu.