Alfred University’s Department of Music welcomed a captivated audience to Susan Howell Hall on Saturday, November 15, for a vibrant and artistically rich guest artist recital featuring flutist Jeanne Sperber, current adjunct flute professor at Alfred University, and pianist Michael Salmirs. The event was made possible through the generous support of the David and Elizabeth Graves Miller Fund for Performing Arts.
The program opened with a special highlight: Alfred University student Lila Condie, who joined Sperber to perform Duetto I, op. 75, no. 2 by François Devienne. Their performance blended elegance and youthful energy, offering a charming introduction to an afternoon of exceptional music-making.
Alfred University student Lila Condie (left) and Jeanne Sperber, adjunct instructor in music, perform on flute during a guest artist recital in Susan Howell Hall.
Sperber and Salmirs took the audience on a musical journey that stretched across more than 200 years, blending pieces from different eras, cultures, and styles into one memorable experience. From music that felt bright and classical to works that were colorful, bold, or even a little jazzy, the duo showed just how many stories the flute and piano can tell together. Their chemistry on stage, along with their impressive skill and expressive playing, made the afternoon feel both exciting and approachable—inviting listeners of all musical backgrounds to connect with the wide world of sound they created.
The recital showcased the exceptional musicianship and artistry of both guest performers. Together, Sperber and Salmirs offered an afternoon of artistry that celebrated the expressive range of the flute and piano repertoire, highlighted Alfred University’s commitment to exceptional musical experiences, and showcased the talent and promise of its students.
Pianist Michael Salmirs (left) and flutist Jeanne Sperber.
Sperber, a beloved figure in the Southern Tier for more than 20 years, is principal flute of the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes and a longtime member of the MostArts Festival Orchestra, performing each summer on the Alfred University campus. Her career includes performances at major New York City venues such as Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and Trinity Church, as well as concerto tours throughout South America and Cuba.
Michael Salmirs, an acclaimed pianist, studied at the New England Conservatory and Eastman School of Music and has built an accomplished career as a soloist, chamber musician, and educator. He has performed extensively across the region, appeared with multiple orchestras, toured and recorded for the Syracuse Society of New Music, and taught at several institutions including Binghamton University, where he has served on the faculty since 2000.
For more information about upcoming performances in the Performing Arts at Alfred University, please contact the Performing Arts Division.
