Exploration of French Composer Gabriel Faure

March 12, 2027 10:00am - 12:00 Steinway gallery

An exploration of French composer Gabriel Faure - beyond The Dolly Suite and Pavane, Op 50, with Laureen Di Bisceglie

Gabriel Fauré is often described as proto-impressionist. A master of elegance and emotion, his piano works span over six decades and represent a deep, poetic, and intimate facet of French music. Join me in an exploration of French composer Gabriel Fauré and his magnificent solo piano music, beyond The Dolly Suite and Pavane, Op. 50!

Laureen Di Bisceglie, NCTM was born and educated in Johannesburg, South Africa. Before entering university, she completed advanced piano theory examinations through the Royal Conservatory of Music and Trinity College London. She earned a Master of Music degree with cum laude honors from the University of the Witwatersrand on scholarship. Her postgraduate studies included coursework through the Royal School of Church Music and the University of South Africa (UNISA), as well as private study with distinguished teachers including Jeanne Zaidel, Maisie Flink, Carl Nietsche, and, more recently, Professor Seth Carlin at Washington University in St. Louis.

Laureen taught at the prestigious Kingsmead College in Johannesburg, where she also served as Head of the Music Department before moving to the United States in 1985.

After teaching in Washington, D.C., and maintaining a private piano studio, she relocated to St. Louis in 1994. She continues to direct a thriving independent piano studio, emphasizing individualized instruction that nurtures each student's unique learning style and musical potential. Her students regularly earn honors in local, state, national, and international competitions and festivals, with many continuing their music studies at the collegiate and graduate levels. In 2021, Laureen achieved Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) status through MTNA after extensive preparation. She is also proud to be one of the founding teachers of the National Music Certificate Program. A dedicated leader in the music community, Laureen has served in numerous leadership roles, including President of the St. Louis Area Music Teachers Association, Piano Teachers Roundtable of St. Louis, Missouri Music Teachers Association, and the Artist Presentation Society. She has also chaired the SLAMTA Legacy Fund, MMTA District Auditions, and multiple educational initiatives. Today, she continues to serve on advisory boards for the Artist Presentation Society and SLAMTA, chairs the APS Masterclass Series, and remains an active member of the Missouri Federation of Music Clubs Music Festival Committee.