As many now know, the comprehensive restoration of St. Stephen’s Bösendorfer “Imperial” concert grand piano was completed this summer by master technician and voicer, Peter Collora of Dallas. Since returning to St. Stephen, the Bösendorfer has been used in services and rehearsals, as well as for concerts and events presented at the church; however, we have not yet had an opportunity to showcase the piano in a full length recital. That will change on October 29 at 4:00 pm, when St. Stephen will host renowned pianist Stephen Beus, Assistant Professor of Music at Brigham Young University.
As a child growing up on a farm in rural Washington state, Stephen had minimal exposure to classical music. But by age 5, he had become fascinated with the piano and the many varieties of tone it can produce. He made remarkable progress once he began taking lessons, and by age 11 had entered the junior level of the prestigious Gina Bachauer Competition. The experience was transformative: “that was my first taste of international competition. It was formative because I heard kids play the piano so well. That changed my life,” Beus recalls. He would go on to win the junior level of the Bachauer Competition at age 14, later taking the gold medal at the adult level in 2006. His success at the Bachauer helped launch his professional career— one that has taken him to Europe, Russia, Africa, China and throughout the United States.
When I met Stephen in 2004, he was preparing for the upcoming (2005) Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. I can remember attending his ‘prelim’ recital, which took place at in an auditorium on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. I have a vivid memory of hearing him play American composer Samuel Barber’s Sonata for piano on the recital. It is a monstrously difficult piece, yet he played it with such ease. Stephen was selected to compete in the 2005 Competition, and returned again in 2009, when he was voted audience favorite. “After experiencing the Cliburn, I wasn’t afraid of anything,” Beus told an Oklahoma newspaper in 2014. “Nothing could be that intimidating. And though I didn’t advance, I still prepared for all the rounds. A Juilliard professor told me that competitions are a game, and you have to have fun playing the game.”
We hope you will come and hear this recital, which not only showcases our incredible instrument, but also an immense talent in Dr. Beus. Please, invite your friends and those you know who appreciate the arts. Stephen Beus’s recital at St. Stephen is underwritten by the St. Stephen Special Music Trust. Consider making a contribution today: online or by email to mc@ststephenpresbyterian.com.