Samuel Barber is a famous American composer, and today’s video features “Excursions,” one of his most notable pieces for piano.
For today’s Daily Joy, pianist Kiesse Nanor is performing a movement of “Excursions” that is influenced by the “boogie-woogie” style.
Ellicott City, Maryland Kiesse appeared on Show 385 in Fairfax, Virginia on February 29, 2020.
Kiesse Nanor (piano), 16, hails from Ellicott City, Maryland and is a sophomore at Philips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. She trains at New England Conservatory Preparatory School with teachers Jonathan Bass and Ernest Barretta. One of her proudest musical achievements was performing at Carnegie Hall after winning a prize at the 2017 New York YWCA Piano Competition. She was also honored to perform for the Phillips Exeter Academy Class of 2022 during their prep year celebration. Kiesse is an accomplished foil fencer. She also loves reading and drama.
Music has the unique ability to bring joy to our lives – especially in the hands of young people. Daily Joy is a reminder of music’s power to uplift, inspire, and unite.
Daily Joy is a project of From the Top. It began in the very early days of the Covid-19 pandemic and continues today to offer a much-needed respite from the anxiety and worry that we encounter in the world.
From the Top is a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating the stories and artistry of young musicians through media and leadership programs. Learn more.
From the Top is grateful to the Richard K. Lubin Family Foundation for their generous support of Daily Joy.
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Daily Joy is a program of From the Top, an independent non-profit organization that relies on support from individuals. Your support will help ensure From the Top's work of celebrating the joy, talents, and stories of extraordinary young musicians.