By Kerie Kerstetter

Students don’t have to be aficionados of classical music to enjoy the Celebrity Series concert this weekend at Moody. If they happen to be zealous lovers of Beethoven or Handel, they’ll probably enjoy it even more.

Acclaimed classical pianist Spencer Myer has played both solo and collaborative performances throughout the world, and his next stop is Tuscaloosa.  The Sunday concert will take place at 2 p.m. in Moody Concert Hall.

With his music, Myer said his mission is to reach the general public and make a connection with his audience.

“I don’t think there is necessarily a huge amount of education that needs to happen with the audience in order for them to appreciate it,” Myer said in a news release. “If the audience can open themselves up to feeling the emotion in the music, then they’ll have a great experience.”

The School of Music Celebrity Concert Series allows the UA community an opportunity to hear a range of distinguished musicians throughout the year.  Amanda Penick, UA music professor and coordinator of the piano area, said that Myer has been attracting a lot of attention and the University is lucky to have him perform.

“Myer is very warm and personable, and his playing displays the same warmth,” Penick said. “He will be doing pieces from several periods, which gives a lot of variety to his performance.”

Myer is a native of New York City, but he has been a soloist with more than a dozen orchestras throughout the country. In 2008, he won the gold medal at the New Orleans International Piano Competition.

“This award is a great compliment to his abilities,” Penick said.  Furthermore, she said she urges UA students not to let their misconceptions about classical music prevent them from attending this Sunday.

“[College students] often think that it will be over their heads or not immediately understandable,” Penick said, “but music is immediately appealing to all. They only have to come to the concert to realize this, then they can decide if they disagree.”

Tickets for the Sunday concert will be on sale at the Moody Box Office and also at the door. Student tickets are $7 and general admission tickets are $15 or $22 depending on seat location.

Myer will also be holding a master piano class on Monday at 10 a.m., in which he will be working with UA piano students. The class will take place at Moody Concert Hall and is open to the public.