Two Musicians Reunite for a Concert to Benefit Tacoma’s Emergency Food Network

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Grammy-nominated pianist Duane Hulbert joins his longtime friend soprano Elizabeth Procuronoff, in a recital that will benefit Tacoma’s Emergency Food Network, Aug. 20, 2:00 at First Lutheran Church, 524 S. “I” St, Tacoma.

The recital, Songs in the Key of Me, is a musical travelogue of the USA, South America and Europe featuring both classical and popular music, including songs from “Oklahoma,” “Porgy & Bess,” and by composers Florence Price, Schumann, Gounod and more.

Hulbert, who taught at the University of Puget Sound for 30 years, now hosts a weekly YouTube channel, Learn & Love Music, which educates listeners about classical music. Ms. Procuronoff, an Oregon native, has lived in Paris for over 30 years. The program is based on the countries where she has lived, worked and performed.

“It’s a wonderful look at how different countries express themselves,” she said.  “You hear a piece and say, that’s Spain – or –  that’s Germany! The music is very representative of each country’s musical style.”

The choice to raise money for Tacoma’s Emergency Food Network was inspired by Ms. Procuronoff ‘s experience in Paris. She volunteers at the lunch program sponsored by her home church, The American Cathedral in Paris. “Twice a week we serve bag lunches to 90-100 people,” she said. “We give them enough so they can even make a second meal from it.”

“Whether it’s in Paris or Tacoma, people have the same needs,” added Hulbert.  “The pandemic made us more aware of how many people struggle to put food on their tables. We’re honored to raise money for Tacoma’s Emergency Food Network.”

This hour-long concert is the first of the duo’s mini “world” tour.  They will perform twice in Portland, once in Northern California and then, on Sept. 11, at the American Cathedral in Paris.

Elizabeth Procuronoff has sung professionally in both the United States and Europe. She received her MBA in Music History from Northwestern University and made her solo debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (Le Damnation de Faust, directed by Sir Georg Solti). Elizabeth continued her studies while developing her solo career in New York City and Munich, Germany. She was a prize winner in U.S. and International voice competitions (The American Opera Auditions, Baltimore Opera Competition, Concorso Internationale Citta di Ercolano – Italy, Concours International de Marmande – France, etc.).

Elizabeth has sung such varied roles as: Antonia (Les Contes d’Hoffman ), the title role of Louise, Fiordiligi (Cosi fan Tutte), Elvira (L’Italiana in Algeri), Helena (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), etc. Under such well-known choral conductors as Robert Shaw she has interpreted the majority of concert repertoire for soprano: the Requiems of Verdi, Mozart and Brahms; Beethoven’s 9th Symphony; the Stabat Mater of Rossini and Dvorak; Haendel’s Messiah and almost all the solo liturgical repertoire of Mozart. Her recordings include the Requiem of Verdi and Brahms, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, etc.

She has given voice recitals in France, Germany and the U.S.  Elizabeth and Duane gave a recital tour on the West Coast of the United States over 30 years ago and are very happy to be re-united for this second recital tour which begins on the West Coast and ends with a final recital in Paris.

Pianist Duane Hulbert won the Gold Medal at the 1980 Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition and was a prize winner in the 1981 Leeds Competition and 1985 Carnegie Hall International American Music Competition. Dr. Hulbert received his BA and MM from The Juilliard School of Music and his DMA from The Manhattan School of Music.

He has performed as a soloist with symphonies across the United States and has given recitals at major venues such as Merkin Hall in New York City and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. In 2002 his recording of the piano works of late-romantic Russian composer Alexander Glazunov was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Solo Instrumental Recording.

Dr. Hulbert retired after 30 years as Professor and Head of the Piano Department at the University of Puget Sound in 2016. Forever passionate about music education, Hulbert created a YOUTUBE channel in 2019, LEARN AND LOVE MUSIC, which gives tips, techniques and insights into classical music.

Program:

Works from the Americas and Europe

West of the Mississippi

Where the music comes from – L. Hoiby

I’m just a girl who can’t say no (Oklahoma!) –  Rogers & Hammerstein

At the feet Of Jesus – Florence Price

Chile & Argentina

La Rose y el Sauce – C. Guastavino

Cancion del Carretero  – C.L. Buchardo

Gato – A. Ginastera

Chicago / NewYork

Somewhere over the Rainbow (The Wizard of Oz) – H. Arlen

Hair –  J. P. Sousa

My man’s gone now (Porgy & Bess) – G. Gershwin

Germany

Der Nussbaum – R. Schumann

Liebst du um Schönheit – G. Mahler

An meinem Herzen, an meiner Brust – R. Schumann

Spain

Del cabello mas sutil – F. Obradors

La Maja Dolorosa N°2 – E. Granados

Chiquita la Novia – F. Obradors

France

Villanelle (Les nuits d’été) – H. Berlioz

L’invitation au Voyage  – H. Duparc

L’Air de bijoux (The Jewel Song) –  C. Gounod