Piano recital features students of young teacher

Young pianist Kanna Pasunuri organized a piano recital for his local Kanna Pasunuri organized a piano recital by his students June 17 in the Hilltop Country Day School auditorium.

The Sparta High School senior has been teaching piano online and in person for the past four years to students in the township.

The recital featured a variety of classical and contemporary pieces, highlighting the students’ versatility and musicality.

Performances included Quinlan Connor playing Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” and John Williams’ “Imperial March” from Star Wars.

Shepherd Connor played a contemporary piece from Hans Zimmer’s “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

Isabella Pazmino showcased her technique in “When the Saints Go Marching In” and “Clowns from Alfred’s Library.”

Nicholas Pazmino demonstrated his musical prowess in Burgmüller’s “Arabesque” and a Sonatina.

Liam Kelley Henrie played Burgmüller’s “Etude, Innocence” and the traditional tune “Greensleeves.”

Alek Diamond performed a selection of pieces, including Hoagy Carmichael’s “Heart and Soul,” Chopin’s “Waltz in A Minor,” Beethoven’s “Für Elise” and Liszt’s “Hungarian Rhapsody.”

At the end of the recital, Pasunuri played Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” and, at the request of his teacher, Tekla Badarzewska’s “A Maiden’s Prayer.”

Pasunuri’s began piano lessons at age 4 under the guidance of Beverly Floorman. The veteran piano teacher from Sparta attended the recital.

Pasunuri, who also is captain of the high school ski team and an accomplished classical dancer, plans to study music education in college.