PSU Hispanic Music Festival to feature two noted pianists

The next concert in the Hispanic Music Festival at Pittsburg State University will feature noted pianists Issac Hernandez and Melinda Groves starting at 3 p.m. on Sept. 22 in McCray Hall.

It is the third of six concerts planned organized by Hernandez in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

Born in Mexico City, Hernandez started learning piano when he was 6 years old with his father as his first teacher. When he was 12 years old, he was accepted into the National Music School of UNAM.

He has won multiple piano competitions since starting his Master’s degree at PSU in 2021. Hernandez was appointed an adjunct teacher last year after completing his degree and has wowed audiences at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts.

Groves, who lives in Emporia, Kansas, earned her Bachelor of Music degree and Master’s degree in Piano Performance from Emporia State University and has performed both nationally and internationally.

A long-time member of various music organizations including the Music Teachers National Association and Federated Teachers of Music and Fine Arts, she has served as president of the local MTNA chapter and is a board member of the Mid-America Music Association.

She is active as a private piano instructor, church music director, and as an adjudicator at the local, district, and state level. Groves enjoys creating music with others as a collaborative performer in choral music, musical theater, and as a duo pianist.

Musicians from Mexico will come to campus as guest artists throughout the festival, which also will showcase students, faculty, alumni, and community members. A few performers are from Paraguay.

The concert will be free to attend and open to campus and the community.

More information: events.pittstate.edu/hispanic_festival