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Concert pianist Petronel Malan, a multiple Grammy nominee and gold medal winner of several international piano competitions, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16 [THURSDAY] at the Ada Arts & Heritage Center, 14th and Rennie.

The free concert is sponsored by East Central University's Music Department. Malan, a native of South Africa, will conduct a master class for ECU piano majors from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 17 [FRIDAY] in the Ataloa Theatre in the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center. The master class is also is free and open to the public.

Lauded by reviewers as an unmistakably creative force in the classical music industry, Malan's critical acclaim culminated in her nomination for three Grammy Awards, including "Best Instrumental Solo Album 2004" for her debut disc "Transfigured Bach: The Complete Bach Transcriptions of Bartok, Lipatti and Friedman."

As an exclusive recording artist for the international award-winning label Hänssler Classic, "Transfigured Mozart" and "Transfigured Beethoven" were released in 2006 and 2009. "Transfigured Tchaikovsky" is due for release in 2011.

In addition to her recording activities, Malan maintains a full performance schedule as recitalist, orchestral soloist and chamber musician in major venues throughout the world.

In addition to her European debut in Rome, further highlights have included Carnegie Recital Hall, Salle Cortot (Paris), Mozarteum (Salzburg), Liszt Museum (Budapest), Orchestra Hall (Chicago) and Bass Hall (Fort Worth), as well as appearances at both Ravinia and Gilmore International Piano Festivals.

Malan has appeared with orchestras worldwide, including the St. Petersburg State Symphony (Russia), Batumi Symphony (Republic of Georgia), Sicilian Chamber (Italy), the Martinu Philharmonic (Czech Republic) and the Cape Town and Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestras.

Her career was launched following five gold medals awarded in 2000 at international piano competitions throughout the United States. These included the Louise McMahon, Missouri Southern, Los Angeles Liszt "Budapest Concert" and Hilton Head International Piano Competitions. In addition, she won the grand prize in the 2000 Web Concert Hall Competition and gold medals in both the Grace Welsh Piano Competition and the Entergy Young Artist Award.

Malan began lessons with her mother at age 4, continuing with Adolph Hallis, a student of both Matthay and Leschetizky. She debuted with the Johannesburg Symphony at age 10 and subsequently won all major national competitions in South Africa. She moved to the United States and earned a degree from Michigan State University and completed her graduate degrees at the University of North Texas.

Her teachers have included Steven de Groote, Ralph Votapek and Joseph Banowetz and coaching sessions with American legend Earl Wild.

Although a permanent resident of the United States, Malan continues her strong ties to her native South Africa. In 2003, she received the "Rapport/City Press Prestige Award" as one of the "10 Most Inspirational Women in South Africa." A popular celebrity in her home country, she has appeared on magazine covers and features, as well as a picture-clue in crossword puzzles.

Apart from her love for vintage gowns, Malan's stage wardrobe is designed by such foremost South African designers as Henja Schaap and Hip Hop Clothing. She is a frequent speaker and promoter for classical music in schools, and music scholarships are awarded in her name annually to promising young South African musicians.

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