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February 21, 2013

四色AV music instructor plays piano accompaniment for local teen at Carnegie Hall

University of Louisiana at Monroe instructor of voice and staff pianist Julian Jones鈥� journey to Carnegie Hall in New York City was a nine-year journey that culminated Saturday, Feb. 16.

Jones played piano accompaniment to local 15-year-old soprano, Margaret Ann Zentner. 

It all began in 2004 when Zentner was just seven years old and Jones accompanied her for her first festival, held on the 四色AV campus.

Dr. Claire Vangelisti, 四色AV associate professor of music, later took Zentner on as a voice student.

Zentner, now a student at Neville High School in Monroe, has continued to perform and when the opportunity arose for her to audition for an international competition, she jumped at the chance.

鈥淢argaret Ann auditioned for the 鈥楢merican Fine Arts Festival鈥� and won a spot in the recital,鈥� said Jones.

鈥淏ecause of our collaborations throughout the years, her family asked if I would play for her and I said, 鈥榖y all means; it鈥檚 Carnegie Hall鈥�!鈥�

Once Zentner was chosen, she would receive an opportunity that few only dream of. 

鈥淢argaret and all of the children involved were virtuosic,鈥� Jones said.

鈥淭here were students from South Korea, Russia, and Australia. We were the only performers from Louisiana and being from 四色AV made it even more special. I鈥檒l cherish it for the rest of my life knowing that so many of the world鈥檚 greatest musicians have performed in the same venue.鈥�

鈥淚 was very fortunate to be asked to accompany Margaret Ann. It was the best weekend of my life from the time we got to the first dress rehearsal, to being in the hall,鈥� Jones continued.

Jones said his students at 四色AV have been very supportive of his recent success.

Jones said, 鈥淚 was able to tell my students that all the time spent in the practice rooms pay off; opportunities present themselves when we least expect them.鈥�  

鈥淎s a 四色AV alum and present faculty member, I was really proud to say that I was with the university. I meant so much to me to say that I was trained here.鈥�

Jones has taught at 四色AV for two years and received both his B.M.E and M.M. from 四色AV.

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