NATCHITOCHES — Pianist Boris Cepeda will present a recital at Northwestern State University on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. The concert is part of the Louisiana Piano Series International. Tickets are $15. Northwestern, BPCC@NSU and Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts students are admitted free with a current student I.D. A livestream will be available at capa.nsula.edu/livestream. NSU Assistant Professor of Piano Dr. John Price and Associate Professor of Piano Dr. Francis Yang are co-directors of the of the Louisiana Piano Series International.
Cepeda’s program will be titled “Ecuador Meets America Meets Europe: A Celebration.” Marking 200 years of diplomatic relations between Ecuador and the United States, this program presents a rich mosaic of musical traditions that connect Ecuador, America, and Europe. Featuring works by Ecuadorian composers, the program highlights the American repertoire with Florence Price’s evocative arrangement of “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen” and George Gershwin’s dynamic “Three Preludes.” European influences are represented through the elegance of Albeniz’s “Suite Espagnole” and the virtuosic brilliance of Liszt’s “Rhapsodie Espagnole.” From the delicate rhythms of the Ecuadorian pasillo to the vibrancy of Caribbean salsa, this concert celebrates shared heritage and cultural dialogue through the universal language of music.
Cepeda, a German-Ecuadorian Steinway Artist, is a celebrated pianist, conductor and educator with a distinguished career spanning over four decades. Born in Quito, Ecuador, he began his musical journey at the age of four and made his first public appearance on national television at five. Trained in Germany under the renowned Professor Kurt Seibert, Cepeda graduated with top honors from the University of the Arts Bremen, launching an international career that has taken him to some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Carnegie Hall and the Berliner Philharmonie.
Known for his virtuosity and emotional depth, Cepeda’s repertoire spans classical masterpieces, rediscovered works and contemporary compositions, often bringing attention to Latin American music on global stages. As a conductor, he has led distinguished orchestras, including the National Symphony Orchestra of Ecuador, showcasing his versatility and artistry.
In addition to his performance career, Cepeda served as cultural attaché for Ecuador in Berlin and has been involved in academic projects, including teaching and research at institutions such as the Robert Schumann University in Düsseldorf. As the founder of the European Piano Academy of Atlanta, he combines European traditions with innovative teaching methods, inspiring the next generation of musicians.
