‘Arts at the Abbey’ Develops Cuban Flair — Belmont Abbey College’s Concert Series to Feature International Pianist Ana Lourdes Rodriguez

BELMONT, NC —- Internationally-renowned concert pianist, Ana Lourdes Rodriguez will be the guest artist at Belmont Abbey College’s Arts at the Abbey series on October 4, 2005 at 8:00 PM in the Abbey Basilica, Belmont Abbey College. The event is free and open to the public.

Rodriguez, who specializes in Spanish and Latin American music, will include works by the 18th century composer Siexas, as well as Albeniz, Ginastera, Granados and Lecuona in her performance at the Abbey.

Rodriguez, a Cuban-American pianist, has performed in concerts and recitals across the U.S. and around the world. She is a frequent performer at such venues as Carnegie’s Recital Hall and Steinway Hall, becoming a favorite with audiences everywhere. In addition to performing on behalf of such organizations as The Dominican Association of Classical Artist and Amigos de la Zarzuela, Rodriguez’s expertise in Latin American music has allowed her to be a regular feature artist on the television show, “Raises.”

Described by The Miami Herald as “a young pianist for new music,” Rodriguez is the recipient of The Puerto Rican Cultural Association’s 2003 Emilia Conde Award and recently gave her New York debut in Carnegie’s Recital Hall as the winner of The Artist International Special Presentation Award. She was also awarded the University of Miami School of Music Award for Excellence in Piano Performance, and received an Honorable Mention in the Bartok-Kabalevsky Piano Competition in 1998.

The Arts at the Abbey concert series is made possible in part by the Associated Foundation, Inc. of Belmont, The Monks of Belmont Abbey and other private donors. Karen Hite Jacob is the series’ coordinator. For additional information, call 704.334.3468 or email kjacob@vnet.net.

Ranked one of the best comprehensive colleges in the Southeast by U.S. News and World Report and The Princeton Review, Belmont Abbey College celebrates excellence and virtue steeped in its 129-year Catholic Benedictine heritage. The liberal arts College is home to students from over 34 states and 26 countries and welcomes everyone from any background or tradition committed to this vision of excellence and virtue. The campus consists of the College, the Monastery and the Abbey Basilica, which can be found on its sprawling 650 acres of picturesque landscape.

Just minutes from Charlotte, NC, the nation’s second largest banking center, Belmont Abbey College offers students numerous internship opportunities and career placement.

The College believes in development of the whole person – mind, body and spirit. By offering a wide array of clubs and activities including Division II athletics, theatre, publications, and study abroad, Belmont Abbey College invests in the personal growth of its students.

Founded in 1876, the College celebrates its heritage and is inspired by the Benedictine monastic tradition. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the College and Abbey Basilica greet thousands of visitors each year.

#-#-#